Batavia Arrack van Oosten

[Edward Hamilton]

From the island of Java, Indonesia this sugar cane based spirit is now available in Europe and the US. Eric Seed of Haus Alpenz is importing this and other specialty spirits from Europe and around the world.

[Dood]

So what is this like? Is it similar to a molasses rum? Rhum agricole? Cachaca? Deep-fried Donut in a glass?

Inquiring palates want to know!

[Edward Hamilton]

It is made from a combination of molasses based spirit and a small percentage of fermented rice. This white spirit has a lot of flavor and is used in chocolate making in Holland.

[Dood]

Wow...sounds very cool. I'll have to see if I can get any of my local stores to bring some in.

[Edward Hamilton]

This won't be widely available any time soon. I'll see if I can persuade Eric to give us more details on this forum.

[eas]

Many comment on the Batavia Arrack's smokey and teak notes, also some rather intensive back-palate effect. It's at a proof and aroma/flavor intensity more suited to mixing - and so selected - so I'd suggest start first mixing with water and maybe a bit of simple syrup. But of course you'll probably try it straight anyway.

In Europe, the majority of sales go to chocolatiers and pastry chefs, so consider how both work on the palate.

It's available at a number of SoCal locations, including Hi-Times and Wally's. Be sure to call first.

[RumBarPhilly]

I see that Eric does sell to PA, and I want to order his product. Do you know what it can be mixed with to make a good drink? Does it taste like chocolate?

[eas]

Hi there - the Batavia Arrack is available in SoCal (try Hi-Times or ask to order from Wally's or Beverage Warehouse) New Jersey and Pennsylvania (special order). For NJ, best to have your store contact us at Haus Alpenz.

We've posted a few recipes we've received back at the Haus Alpenz website, also there were some great recipes from Jardiniere in Camper English's recent San Francisco Chronicle article.

[perfumekev]

Hey Gang,

I am new to this forum but I wanted to post some of my experiences with the Batavia Arrack

Batavia is a wonderfull full bodied "rum - like" product, it has a soft nutty aroma from the red rice it is distilled with and a pronounced woody smoky sugar cane note.

It. is also great because it is 100 proof and has a wonderfull vibrancy

It is rum like but has a unique quality that no rum has.

It mixes very well with other base spirits such as Rum, Brandies, Rye Whiskey.

I have found that it mixes well in sour formations (aka) Gary Regans Joy of Mixology just follow sour constuctions already listed in the book substuting where nessisary. nice liqueurs to use are apricot brandy, Creme de cocoa, creme de bannane,Cointreau

Batavia is wonderfull when spices are added to it either via a spiced simple syrup or adding or grating spices into the shaker or on top of the finished drink.

spices I have tried and like in simple syrups in combos and seperately

cardamon
nutmeg
star anise
allspice berries
ginger
chinise five spice
vanilla pods

Batavia also mixes very well with most citrus juices and combos of them.
Pineapple juice is also very complimetary to it's flavor

bitters especially Fee's old fashioned barrel aged are great
tiny dashes of absitne are nice as well.

This is a unique spirit and is fun to play with
I will be posting some of my more succsesfull recepies soon.

So what I am trying to say is go get some it is unique and equaly as good.

[Tiare]

The more I read the more curious I get.. But checking out the website I found that minimum order for export is pound 100...and that`s too much for me who just want to try it, I checked the German EBay but found only one 40 proof arrak.
Have anyone tried that one?