Arak
(Arak, Alak, अरक)
Arrack is a generic term used for a variety of distilled spirits that are often unrelated and can be made from different ingredients. They are found throughout East Indies—predominantly India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
The two dominant varieties include Ceylon arrack that is distilled from fermented juice of the coconut palm and Batavian arrack that is made from molasses. The origin of arrack is vague, and though it cannot be precisely stated when and where it was exactly invented, some of the oldest references date back to the 15th century.
The reports mention various distillates which were collectively known as arrack. This makes arrack one of the oldest distillates in the world, and certainly a predecessor to all new world spirits such as gin, whisky, or brandy. The etymology of the word is believed to stem from the Arabic arak (perspiration) or areca, a nut from which arrack was produced in India. Read more
Although it is not clear, it is presumed that arrack originated in India, which was a result of contact with Arabic or Chinese distillation techniques. Depending on the main ingredients from which it is distilled, arrack can significantly differ in character and style.
However, it should not be confused with arak—the anise-flavored distillate usually found in the Middle East.
Types of Arak
