Batavia Arrack van Oosten

The spirit that made punch what it was. Batavia arrack comes from the island of Java, and from the late seventeenth century to the nineteenth it was the backbone of the punch bowl.

Van Oosten is made from sugar cane and fermented red rice, then bottled at elevated proof without aging, which is why it arrives with its character intact: a smoky fruitiness and a vegetal funk that soaks up tea, lemon and sugar the way nothing else does. It is one of the few Batavia arracks still available, and so one of the few ways to taste a punch as it was actually drunk.

Build it into a classic punch with tea, lemon and sugar, lengthen it with ginger beer or tonic, or use a small measure alongside Byrrh or an oloroso sherry.

For a world of ways to enjoy it, tap 'Cocktails with this ingredient' and browse the recipes on Difford's Guide.

ABV 50% | 750ml | Indonesia