Contrary to popular opinion, Indonesia is historically a nation with a robust drinking culture, dating back to the 7th century when it was still called “Nusantara”. As an ancient Javanese proverb utters “Gemah ripah loh jinawi” which translates to “affluent and abundant, prosperous and fertile”, Indonesia is a land rich with spices and ingredients.
Evolving from its humble beginnings as fermented palm saps called “Tuak”, the story of “Arak” carries a captivating tale of survival and adaptation, and holds itself as a true symbol of Nusantara’s resilience.
Iwak Arumery is a double-distilled blend of three different kinds of pure fermented palm sap infused with exotic fruits and spices, aged for 1.5 years to perfection. It is a distillation of the childhood memories and experience of Ida Ayu Puspa Eny (Puspa), a female Brahman former journalist who had spent her life travelling the world and lived a good portion of her life in three different continents. Combining a technique commonly found in European colonies with the legendary “Arak Jung” from Bali, Puspa has spent 14 years innovating the tradition she holds dear into a unique offering that has become the embryo of Iwak Arumery, the Drinkers’ Drink.
Silky smooth, woody, and slightly saline
Delicate flavor of Arak combined with well balanced spices and a hint of sweetness
A good balance between the bitterness of coffee and the complexity of spices
Sweetness of honey, vanilla, and cinnamon spice, the warmth of ginger cookies, and a hint of mangosteen tannin sensation
Spicy, sweet, dates, dark raisin mixed berries, with a hint of cinnamon and ginger
For the aspiring mixologies in you, here are some tried and true cocktail recipes that will light up your party like none other.
“This is the perfect time for Indonesian to feel proud of this fantastic product.”
General Manager of Raffles Bali
“This could be the locomotive for the presence of arak in the Indonesian beverage scene, which will then go further into the region and even the world.”
President Commissioner of Kura Kura Bali
“There are so many flavors! Back then, when I tried Arak for the first time, it tasted so harsh and bitter. But when I tried Iwak, it was so different!. It was a really delicious combination of flavors.”
Entrepreneur, actress, and former Miss Indonesia