Over the past two years, the Balinese arak scene has exploded, resulting in new and innovative brands dishing up delectable liquors.

Take a good look around on your next trip to Bali, and you’ll realize just how popular arak really is. Distilled from the sap or fruit of palm trees, this distinctive liquor has been intertwined with Balinese life for hundreds of years. It is present at religious ceremonies, imbibed at celebrations and sneaked into beach clubs and concerts alike.

However, as its legal status has always been suspect, it is kept alive by a cottage industry at best and an underground market at worst. Incidents of improperly prepared arak leading to illnesses and occasionally death earned the drink a dark reputation, especially among non-Balinese.

Slowly, though, this is changing. Since the Balinese regional government ratified a governor’s decree in 2020, the production and distribution of arak has been more tightly monitored and regulated. Newer brands helmed by elder distillers and young upstarts alike have emerged—innovating the drink and turning it into an unmissable delicacy.

Here are five bottles you must procure for your next gathering, or just for your minibar.

Holy Tirtha

There’s a reason for its popularity among younger crowds. Pure, unadulterated arak Bali can be a baptism of fire for the uninitiated—with a strong, attacking opening salvo and an aggressive finish. But Holy Tirtha’s blend flows smoothly down the hatch, never overbearing the palate or attacking your throat the way rough-and-tumble arak will.

Its special blend, Cempaka, using the magnolia champak flower, combines floral notes with hints of spicy charm. Served cold, it is a treat for any connoisseur.

Young guns: Holy Tirtha's floral, fragrant concoctions have found favor among younger Balinese, and it's easy to see why--though strong, its flavor is surprisingly subtle. (Courtesy of Holy Tirtha) (Courtesy of Holy Tirtha/Courtesy of Holy Tirtha)

Dewi Sri

Perhaps the most familiar arak Bali brand, Dewi Sri is a ubiquitous presence at Balinese airports and a popular souvenir for tourists exiting the island paradise. Clear as day with a strong fragrance and a punchy taste, it is arak Bali at its most classic, unblemished form. The more serious drinker may be able to consume it au naturel, but it is an excellent addition to any strong, boozy cocktail.

Sajeng Patala

The regency of Karangasem is renowned for its excellent, yet varied arak production, and Sajeng Patala does nothing to break that record. It is a Karangasem vintage – distilled from palm sugar and imbued with deep caramel notes. The infusion of spices gives it a deeper mouthfeel and a more smokey taste. Something to savor as you behold a warm Balinese sunset.

Iwak Arumery

Ida Ayu Puspa Eny, the mastermind behind Iwak, comes from a Brahmin family of priests and traditional healers. Her recipes are inspired by this storied past, and especially reminiscent of arak jung – a type of arak steeped with a mixture of spices and fruits, which are then left to marinate for months, even years on end.

The results are stunning. Iwak’s blends are delectably viscous, with a complex taste and a pleasant mouthfeel. If you are into something lighter and more balanced, anything fruity by them is a good shout. But its flagship blend, the Origine, is a smokey, spicy tour de force that is not to be missed.

Healing: Inspired by arak 'jung', a steeped arak concocted by Balinese priests and healers, Iwak Arumery is less herbal remedy and more fine evening cocktail. (Courtesy of Iwak Arumery) (Courtesy of Iwak Arumery/Courtesy of Iwak Arumery)

Arakbica

Despite their relatively younger crowd and newcomer status, Arakbica has quickly made waves in the arak scene — selling out thousands of bottles while making appearances at rock concerts and Group of 20 meetings alike. And after a sip or three, it is not hard to understand why. Like Iwak, it is inspired by the arak jung style of steeped arak, except it is blended with coffee beans straight from the mountains of Kintamani, Bali.

Coffee liqueurs can be a strong, intense journey for more delicate drinkers, but Arakbica masterfully treads the line between assertive and subtle. It manages to temper the strong coffee taste without allowing other ingredients to become too cloying, ensuring a consistently smooth and easy-to-palate drink.

There is the very real concern of its more subtle demeanor leading you to inadvertently gulp too much of it, too soon. But Arakbica believes you are grown up enough to handle that, and so do we.