Arrack
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Arrack refers to the strong spirits distilled mainly in South and South East Asia from fermented fruits, grains, sugarcane, or the sap of coconuts or other palm trees. The word itself originated from the Arabic word 'araq', which means "juice". The name is said to signify, in the East, any spirituous liquor; but that which usually bears this name is toddy. Generally fermented from coconut sap today, it is then distilled to produce an alcoholic beverage that tastes somewhat like something between whiskey and rum. Originally from India, where it is distilled from Kallu, Arrack is mainly produced in Sri Lanka. It is generally distilled between 37% to 50% alcohol by volume (70 to 100 proof).
Arrack is traditionally taken straight or with water. Contemporarily it also often taken with ginger ale or soda, or as a component of various cocktails.
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[edit] Brands
- V.S.O.A. (Very Special Old Arrack) (Sri Lanka)
- Old Reserve (Sri Lanka)
- Extra Special (Sri Lanka)
- Coconut Arrack (Sri Lanka)
- Double Distilled Arrack (Sri Lanka)
Batavia Arrack is only distilled in Indonesia. It is the "rum" from Indonesia, because it is distilled only from sugar cane, like rum. It is a pot still distillation, on a type of still which was very much influenced by the Chinese, who brought the distillation process to Indonesia a long time ago. To start the fermentation local fermented red rice is used, which together with the local yeast, determines the unique flavour and smell of the distillate. The distillate is distilled at approx. 70% alc. vol. Like rum, Batavia Arrack is often a blend of different original parcels, to come to a constant quality.
Batavia Arrack is used as a component in herb liqueurs, bitter liqueurs, in Swedish Punsch, but also used in the confectionery industry and the flavour industry. It is said that batavia arrack has a flavour enhancing application when used as a component in other products, as it's used in the herb and bitter liqueurs.
[edit] See also
- Arak, a different drink with a similar name, from the Middle East
- airag, a Mongolian drink
- palm wine, an alcoholic beverage that may be distilled into arrack
- Raki, a different drink with a similar name, from Turkey
[edit] References
- 1828 Webster's Dictionary
