Nusa Caña spotlights Indonesian rum

With its acclaimed Godfather arrack, Indonesian rum brand Nusa Caña is highlighting the key role the country has played in the history of rum.

Nusa Caña ventured into a whole new category in August 2021, when it launched the ‘collectible’ Batavia Arrack, named Godfather.

Arrack is a historical term for alcohol distilled from coconut-flower sap, fruit, flowers, grain or sugarcane in Southeast Asia, India, and Sri Lanka.

To produce Godfather, sugarcane molasses and crushed red rice from Indonesia are slowly fermented.

This liquid is then twice distilled in steel pot stills, followed by ageing in teak wood barrels.

The limited edition expression was awarded a Master medal in sister title the drinks business Asia’s The Luxury Masters – Asia 2022 competition, achieving a score of 92/100 to become the luxury rum category winner.

Marc Rodrigues, co-founder of Nusa Caña, said: “The Master medal from the drinks business Asia’s expert panel of judges is a fantastic reward for the team, helping Nusa Caña on our journey to bring Indonesian rum to the world. It’s a wonderful recognition of our belief that Batavia Arrack – Indonesian rum – is delicious, unique and here to stay.”

The 60% ABV bottling takes its name from Batavia Arrack’s moniker as ‘the godfather to the rum world’.

With a lightly honeyed, amber appearance from teak wood, and a pungent aroma from the arrack, Godfather packs a punch, with an elegant balance and a long, spiced finish.

A blend of 100% pot still Batavia Arrack, it is aged for 24 months, and bold in flavour, featuring subtle hints of tropical fruit, cane and grass, molasses funk and sweet spices.

Sam Jeveons, co-founder of Nusa Caña, said: “Godfather is a luxurious and rare expression that showcases the origins of, and variety of styles in today’s rum category.

“Sitting shoulder to shoulder with our existing rums – Nusa Caña Spiced Island Rum and Nusa Caña Tropical Island Rum – Godfather is unique because it truly expresses our heartland and what drives us forward – reigniting the forgotten role Indonesia played in the history of rum.

“This is a rum worthy of its spirits heritage. We hope that Godfather will be recognised and appreciated by those who embrace authentic rum and understand Godfather’s unique proposition.”

Rodrigues concluded: “The success both in winning the Master medal and the reception the limited edition Godfather has had has allowed us to consider going into full production of this amazing rum in the near future.”