By The Dutch Batavia Arrack Rum
By The Dutch Batavia Arrack Rum is one of the world's great historic spirits: a 100% sugarcane spirit from Java, Indonesia, distilled in traditional pot stills by Chinese distilling methods, aged up to 8 years in teak and oak barrels, then shipped to Amsterdam where it is blended to the master blender's secret recipe and bottled at 48% ABV in a 750mL bottle. Refined, gently funky, and golden-amber — it drinks like a moderately aged rum with an exotic edge. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 48% (96 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: Batavia arrack — blend of arracks aged up to 8 years in teak & oak
- Origin: Java, Indonesia; aged, blended, and bottled in the Netherlands (By The Dutch)
- Production: sugarcane molasses, wild yeast on red rice cake, double pot-still distillation
Arrack: Rum's Indonesian Cousin
Batavia arrack predates most Caribbean rum traditions: sugarcane spirit distilled on Java using methods brought by Chinese distillers — a low-alcohol wash fermented with wild yeast grown on red rice cake, then double-distilled in pot stills from roughly 8% up to 60-65%. By The Dutch blends arracks aged up to 8 years in teak and oak, ships the blend to Amsterdam for marrying in large oak casks, and bottles it in Schiedam at a full 48%. Cocktail historian Matt Pietrek (Cocktail Wonk) calls it refined and smooth — "could pass as a moderately aged rum with a fair amount of funk and just a hint of sweetness."
Tasting Notes
The brand publishes no official notes; reputable tasters describe it as far more approachable than punchy unaged arracks — smooth, lightly funky, with a hint of sweetness and gentle oak. Expect sugarcane depth, warm spice, and a long, mellow finish rather than the raw fire of white arrack.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a drop of water for the full experience. Behind the bar it is a tiki secret weapon — swap it into any aged-rum cocktail (a mai tai or old fashioned) for an extra layer of funk. It also lifts punches and stirred rum drinks without overpowering them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Batavia arrack?
A sugarcane spirit from Java, Indonesia — distilled in pot stills and aged in teak and oak. It is legally and traditionally classed with rum, and this bottling is a blend of arracks aged up to 8 years.
Is Batavia arrack the same as rum?
Close cousins: both come from sugarcane, but arrack uses distinctive Javanese fermentation (wild yeast on red rice cake) and teak-wood aging that give it a unique funky character.
How strong is By The Dutch Batavia Arrack?
48% ABV (96 proof).
Where is By The Dutch Batavia Arrack made?
Distilled and initially aged on Java, Indonesia; the blend is married in Amsterdam and bottled in Schiedam, Netherlands.
For more from this Dutch house, browse By The Dutch, and for the wider category see our rum selection. Add By The Dutch Batavia Arrack Rum to your cart online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.