Nusa Caña is continuing its journey of explaining the important role Indonesia played in the development of rum with its latest expression, ‘Godfather’ a premium Batavia Arrack, released at 60 per cent ABV and crafted for the on-trade, spirit and rum lovers, collectors and enthusiasts.
Sugarcane-based Batavia Arrack was described by spirits historian and author Dave Wondrich as the ‘worlds first International Luxury Spirit’ and ‘Godfather to the rum world’, and it is one of the first spirits transported across the globe for both consumption and luxury prestige.
Nusa Caña’s Sam Jeveons, who developed the spirit, said: “The Godfather is a celebration of Batavia Arrack, our first limited edition series paying tribute to the forgotten role Indonesia played in the (hi)story of rum.
“A high-strength, blend of 100 per cent pot still Batavia Arrack with a robust flavour and unique character we believe worthy of the spirits heritage. We made the Godfather with passion for those passionate about rum.”
Nusa Caña’s Godfather takes its name from Batavia Arracks moniker as ‘the godfather to the rum world’. A rum style that pre-dates its Caribbean cousins popularity and opens dialogue into the origin of, and styles within todays rum category.
The Godfather is created using Javanese sugar cane molasses from the saccharum robustum cane and dried red rice, which are crushed into a powder and slowly fermented.
The liquid is then double-distilled in antique steel pot stills and aged for 18 months in large teak wood barrels, in the tropical regions of Western and Central Java, Indonesia before being shipped to Europe for blending and bottling following 350 years of tradition.
Tasting notes describe The Godfather as having “a lightly-honeyed, inviting appearance from teak wood [which] reveals an elegant balance of vibrant and fresh young cane, fragrant wild grass and subtle tropical fruits complimenting the punchy, spiritous spice of its 60 per cent abv presentation”.
The Godfather is best enjoyed “on the rocks or in a highball with a citrus twist and dry spice, in a daiquiri or arrack punch,” says Jeveons.
A hand-bottled, rare run of 1002 bottles of Godfather have been produced for Nusa Caña’s global market, with Australia stock arriving October. Godfather 70cl bottles at 60 per cent abv are available at a RRP $115, through Craft Revolution.
