Anyone ever had Arrack?
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Several old girlfriends.......
Rum is probably a fair comparison, but it has been so long since I have tasted rum I should not say anything about that. I have tried some of lower end Mendis Old Arrack neat (age towards the younger end) and it was not very good, certainly not as smooth or flavorful as a lower end scotch or bourbon. If you have a chance I would certainly give it a try, but go in with low expectations. I think it is commonly drank mixed about 1:1 with water.
There are several different types of arrack. Coconut arrack is made mainly in Sri Lanka. Indonesia is home to Batavia Arrack which is distilled from sugar cane and local fermented red rice.
I've had Batavia Arrack (current brand on the market is Van Oosten). It's not something that I'd drink on its own. It's akin to rum, but smoky and with a funky element to it.
Batavia Arrack is famously a key ingredient in Swedish Punsch, which typically combines the Arrack with lemon, tea, sugar and spices. It's not available in the US, but you can buy it in Sweden (brands: Cederlunds Caloric Punch, Carlshamms Flaggpunsch, Facile Punsch). I picked up a few bottles on a recent trip there.
I've had Batavia Arrack (current brand on the market is Van Oosten). It's not something that I'd drink on its own. It's akin to rum, but smoky and with a funky element to it.
Batavia Arrack is famously a key ingredient in Swedish Punsch, which typically combines the Arrack with lemon, tea, sugar and spices. It's not available in the US, but you can buy it in Sweden (brands: Cederlunds Caloric Punch, Carlshamms Flaggpunsch, Facile Punsch). I picked up a few bottles on a recent trip there.
middle eastern arrack is more like anis,
That's Arak (ayræq, spelling and pronunciation wise. Comes from the word for "sweat"), and is a grape based anise liqueur. Stroooooong stuff, usually between 146 and 160 proof.
There's an Iranian version, Aragh-e-Sagi, which is downright moonshine. Usually 160+ proof, without the anise.
We used to drink it in the middle east, it's kind of like liquid licorice only stronger. I just remembered what this stuff reminds me of, if you have ever had Sambuca then it's like that but stronger. It came served in small glasses and we used to have it before dinner and sometimes with turkish coffee after dinner. Not a big fan of it but it was a better experience than people shooting at you, bc
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That's the Arak that I was thinking of. Its actually pretty good. Strong stuff with a strong, licorice flavor. Turns white when water is added. Best enjoyed with friends. Then again, what isn't best enjoyed with friends?
If you're speaking of Arabic Arak, Arak Haddad is the gold standard. Trust me
I've had Sri Lankan Arrack.
A clear brownish drink, somewhat rum like but not as strong as most spirits (if memory serves it was around 30%) and without any very prominent flavour. OK in a mixed drink but I've no particular desire to drink it straight. Certainly not flavoured with anise.
A clear brownish drink, somewhat rum like but not as strong as most spirits (if memory serves it was around 30%) and without any very prominent flavour. OK in a mixed drink but I've no particular desire to drink it straight. Certainly not flavoured with anise.
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