Nusa Caña launches Batavia arrack

Indonesian rum brand Nusa Caña has unveiled an arrack called Godfather, releasing 1,002 bottles to the global market.

‘Arrack’ a historical term for alcohol distilled from coconut flower sap, fruits, flowers, grain or sugarcane across South East Asia, India and Sri Lanka.

Coinciding with National Rum Day today (16 August), Nusa Caña has released a new Batavia arrack, a spirit made from sugarcane and red rice that was a precursor to rum in Indonesia.

Co-founder of Nusa Caña Sam Jeveons said: “The Godfather is a celebration of Batavia arrack, our first limited edition series paying tribute to the forgotten role Indonesia played in the (hi)story of rum.

“A high-strength blend of 100% pot still Batavia arrack with a robust flavour and unique character we believe worthy of the spirits heritage. We made the Godfather with passion for those passionate about rum.”

To make the spirit, sugarcane molasses from Indonesia and dried red rice are crushed into a powder then slowly fermented. This liquid is then twice distilled in steel pot stills, followed by 18 months of ageing in teak wood barrels.

The resulting expression is ‘lightly honeyed’ in colour, with notes of fragrant grass and tropical fruits.

With just over 1,000 bottles produced for global release, the 60% ABV bottling is described as a collectible by the brand. The inspiration for the name of the Batavia arrack derives from it being ‘the godfather to the rum world’.

Godfather will be released to the UK market in September, for an RRP of £45 (US$62.39) via ten-locks.com.

Earlier this year, the brand revealed plans to raise £400,000 (US$548,000) on investment platform Crowdcube to support its expansion plans.