HI! MEET

SO, WHAT IS ARRACK?

Image: Toddy collection tools

Mother Basis - Toddy

Method:

• Toddy is collected from the coconut tree flower sap where the sap is shaved around 1mm using a special knife.
• After that, the toddy tapper will tie a string in the corner of the flower sap and will knock on that side where it will fill up on a clay pot on the other side which is again repeated on another tree after the collection is done. Usually a tree can produce around 2 liters a day.
• All the toddy from the trees collected into a tank and will be taken into a distillery where they will fix a tube where it will flow like a channel. Usually this is done to filter any waste and especially bees which are commonly found in toddy.

Image: Coconut flower sap collection

• After filtering the toddy it will let it sit for 24 hours where this will usually start the natural fermentation which will usually increase alcohol volume (ABV) from 60% to 90%.
• After the natural fermentation process is done the fermented toddy will be placed to a column still where it will boil and distill (Pic 03).
• After the process of column still, the distilled steam from the column still (which is the alcohol) will go through the condenser copper bar process which is highly refrigerated 24/7.

Image: Distillery Column Still (Pic 03)

• After the condenser process the alcohol is aged in barrels (Halmilla, Teak etc.) along with some master blends by the master blender. Also during the process different flavor components will also be added given the arrack to have different flavors.
• Lastly the arrack is left to age from minimum 6 months to maximum 20 years where as usual the longer it is to age it will smoothen up to make it a premium version.
• Usually arrack is left to age in barrel vats (wooden) where it is smoked to get the usual golden brownish color.
• Arracks which are left to age in stainless steel containers will be usually turns into white arrack where the flavors also can be added as the same process in barrels.

STATE OF PLAY

Aybrook & Mason has solidified its reputation as a distinguished producer of premium spirits, wines, and liqueurs, with a notable emphasis on traditional Sri Lankan arrack. Their flagship product, Old Reserve Arrack, is celebrated as Sri Lanka's finest pure coconut arrack, matured for years in Hamilla and Teak casks, embodying the pinnacle of the Ceylon arrack blender's art.

The company maintains a global presence, with bases in South Africa and representatives across Europe and Asia, collaborating closely with artisanal producers to develop a unique range of offerings.

Various Arrack Brands

WHY SRI LANKAN ARRACK IS GAINING POPULARITY?

Sri Lankan arrack is increasingly being recognized by top bartenders for its versatility and unique flavor profile. It works well in:

• Tiki cocktails: Its tropical notes pair perfectly with pineapple, coconut, and citrus.
• Classic cocktails: It can be used as a substitute for rum or whiskey in drinks like the Old Fashioned or Daiquiri.
• Modern mixology: Its complex flavor makes it ideal for creative, avant-garde cocktails.

SOME TOP GLOBAL BARS USING SRI LANKAN ARRACK

While it's not yet as widely used as other spirits like whiskey or rum, a few world-class bars and mixologists have started incorporating Sri Lankan arrack into their cocktails. Here are some notable bars and establishments around the world that have embraced this spirit:

1. The Savoy (London, UK) – American Bar

The American Bar at The Savoy is one of the most iconic bars in the world and has been named the best bar globally in the past. Their expert mixologists are known for experimenting with rare and unique spirits, including Ceylon Arrack.

They have featured arrack in specialty cocktails, often blending it with other premium ingredients to create innovative drinks.

2. Dead Rabbit (New York City, USA)

Dead Rabbit, located in Manhattan, has consistently been ranked among the best bars in the world. Known for its Irish-American pub vibe and award-winning cocktail program, the bar has experimented with arrack in some of its creations.

They've used arrack in tiki-style cocktails or as a substitute for rum in classic recipes, highlighting its versatility.

3. The Clumsies (Athens, Greece)

Ranked among the top bars in the world, The Clumsies is known for its innovative approach to mixology and its use of unconventional ingredients.

They've experimented with arrack in their seasonal cocktail menus, often using it to add depth and complexity to their drinks.

4. Experimental Cocktail Club (Paris, France)

This chic bar is part of the Experimental Group, known for its creative and globally inspired cocktail menus.

The bar has experimented with arrack in some of its cocktails, often blending it with French liqueurs and fresh ingredients.

5. The Bamboo Bar (Bangkok, Thailand)

Located in the Mandarin Oriental, The Bamboo Bar is a legendary establishment known for its jazz music and sophisticated cocktails.

Given its proximity to Sri Lanka and its focus on Asian-inspired cocktails, The Bamboo Bar has occasionally featured arrack in its drinks, blending it with local flavors.

UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF ARRACK IN THE SINGAPOREAN MARKET

Singapore's cocktail scene is characterized by a focus on quality, creativity, and a willingness to explore new ingredients. Arrack, with its unique flavor profile and rich history, aligns perfectly with this trend. The growing recognition of bars specializing in niche ingredients, along with the trend of speakeasy-style and regionally-focused drinks, presents an opportunity for showcasing and promoting artisanal spirits like arrack. This could resonate well with the upscale bar scene in Singapore.

SOME OF THE TOP BARS THAT SERVE ARRACK IN SINGAPORE

1. Native Bar

Native has become an iconic presence in Singapore's cocktail landscape. Native Bar uses Ceylon Arrack in one of its cocktails and it has been a bestseller ever since they introduced it.

2. Atlas Bar

Atlas Bar is renowned for its extensive gin collection and luxurious Art Deco setting. It's also known for its creative use of lesser-known spirits, including arrack.

3. Sago House

Sago House known for its dynamic cocktail menu, which changes weekly based on locally sourced ingredients, featuring six categories: strong up, strong down, daisies, highballs, sours, and tropical drinks. A notable example from their menu is the "Acute Angel," which combines calvados, apricot, and white wine aperitif for a punchy and slightly fruity experience.

4. Jigger & Pony

As of 2024, it was ranked No. 5 in The World's 50 Best Bars and recognized as the Best Bar in Singapore. Their menu, titled "SMASH," features over 20 colorful tipples, non-alcoholic indulgences, and punch bowls, focusing on classic cocktails and their creative interpretations.

5. The Elephant Room

The Elephant Room is a culture-forward cocktail bar in Singapore, inspired by the vibrant heritage of Little India. Their menu features innovative cocktails that reinterpret traditional Indian flavors.

6. Smoke & Mirrors

Smoke & Mirrors is a renowned rooftop cocktail bar in Singapore, situated atop the National Gallery Singapore. The bar is celebrated for its innovative cocktail menus that draw inspiration from various art forms, offering a unique fusion of mixology and artistic expression.

CURRENT LANDSCAPE

Arrack, while beloved in its home regions, remains a niche category with limited global reach. It's seen as an ethnic, traditional drink. For years, Arrack was considered too "low class" to be taken seriously as a premium spirit.

Tequila's rise in global popularity stemmed from its authenticity, artisanal production methods, and deep cultural roots. Arrack, produced with centuries-old methods and tied to unique South Asian traditions, holds similar value.

If tequila, a spirit with roots in just one region of the world, can dominate globally, why can't Arrack - a spirit with even richer, diverse origins - compete on the same stage?

What if Arrack could be redefined as the "next fancy tequila," offering aged, crafted, high-quality varieties alongside its traditional forms?

STATE OF PLAY

Arak Drink Market

Market Size in USD Billion. Blue bar: 2024, Darker bar: 2032.

Regions: North America (0.54 in 2024), Europe, South America, Asia Pacific (largest), Middle East and Africa.

The arrack drink market shows significant regional variations in size and growth projections between 2024 and 2032. The Asia Pacific region dominates the market, with the largest share in 2024 and substantial growth expected by 2032, positioning it as the primary driver of global demand.

FUTURE OUTLOOK OF ARRACK DRINK MARKET

• 1. Rising Interest in Heritage Spirits:

  Traditional drinks have been produced for a long time and different varieties are present in different parts of the world. These drinks have the specialty of culture and traditional practices being used to manufacture them, which have always created the interest of travelers and tourists visiting these places. Consumers are increasingly seeking authentic and culturally rich beverages, similar to the growing popularity of tequila, mezcal, and sake. Arrack's unique heritage positions it well to capitalize on this trend.

• 2. Increasing Popularity Among Millennials and Gen Z:

  The rising popularity of arrack among Millennials and Gen Z is driving its demand, as these younger generations actively seek out unique and culturally rich drinking experiences. This trend positions arrack as an exciting choice for adventurous and experience-driven consumers.

• 3. Eco-consciousness and Sustainable Drinking:

  Consumers are leaning toward spirits perceived as natural, organic, or sustainably produced. Arrack, if positioned correctly, can tap into this trend with messaging around traditional distillation methods and eco-friendly practices.

REVIVING THE SPIRIT OF ARRACK

Premium Spirits Market Size

by Product, 2020-2030 (USD Billion)

Categories: Vodka, Whiskey, Tequila, Gin, Rum, Brandy, Others.

Key values shown: $199.2B (2022), $215.5B (2023).

Global Market CAGR, 2024-2030: 9.7%

Source: www.grandviewresearch.com

OUR RANGE OF CEYLON ARRACK