Quick answer
Double distilled arrack is a mid-range style of Sri Lankan arrack whose name refers to spirit that has passed through a still twice, the classic pot still method. The second distillation raises the strength and lets the distiller discard the harshest parts of the run, giving a fuller, smoother arrack than the entry-level special styles. Several distillers bottle one, usually at roughly 34 to 38 per cent alcohol. It works both in cocktails and with simple mixers, and costs roughly US$13 to US$22 a bottle.
Key takeaways
- Double distilled on an arrack label refers to spirit distilled twice, the standard method for pot still arrack.
- Double distilled arrack is a mid-range style, fuller in flavour than extra special arrack.
- Several Sri Lankan distillers bottle a double distilled arrack, typically at roughly 34 to 38 per cent ABV.
- The second distillation lets the distiller keep the clean middle cut and discard the harsh first and last fractions.
- Double distilled arrack is a good all-round bottle for sours, punches and long drinks.
What double distilled means for arrack
Double distilled means that fermented coconut toddy has been distilled once to a weak spirit and then a second time to a stronger, cleaner one. This is how a pot still works: one pass is not enough to reach drinking strength.
Double distilled on a Sri Lankan label is both a description and a product name. It signals a style with more pot still character, although the bottle may still be a blend that includes lighter spirit. The category line on the label tells you which.
What the second distillation does
The second distillation is where a distiller shapes the flavour of arrack. As the still runs, different compounds come over at different times, and the skill lies in deciding what to keep.
- →The first fraction, sharp and solvent-like, is set aside.
- →The middle cut, the heart, becomes the arrack.
- →The final fraction, heavy and oily, is set aside or redistilled.
- →A narrow cut gives a cleaner spirit; a wider cut gives more character.
How double distilled arrack tastes
Double distilled arrack tastes rounder and fruitier than the entry-level arracks. Expect coconut blossom, a little ripe banana or pear, light caramel and a finish that lasts a few seconds longer.
Double distilled arrack has enough body to stand up to lime juice and sugar, which is why it is popular behind bars. It remains a lighter spirit than a long-aged coconut arrack and has less wood influence.
Double distilled arrack against its neighbours
Double distilled arrack sits close to old arrack on the shelf and in price, and the two are often compared. The differences are of emphasis.
- →Extra special arrack: lighter and cheaper, for simple mixing.
- →Old arrack: soft and mellow, with more emphasis on time in wood.
- →Double distilled arrack: livelier, with more still character.
- →Pure coconut arrack: no neutral spirit, higher strength and price.
How to drink double distilled arrack
Drinking double distilled arrack is a matter of using its extra flavour. It is the bottle to choose when a recipe calls simply for arrack and you want the drink to taste of it.
- →In an arrack sour with lime, sugar and a dash of bitters.
- →With ginger beer and a wedge of lime over ice.
- →In a punch with tea, citrus and spice.
- →With an equal measure of cold water, as a simple test of quality.
Finding double distilled arrack in Sri Lanka
Double distilled arrack is easy to find in Sri Lanka. Licensed wine stores and supermarket liquor counters stock it in full, half and quarter bottles, and most hotel bars carry at least one. A half bottle is a sensible size to try over a few evenings at a beach stay before committing to a full one for the journey home.
Lankan Stays & Trails can suggest bars in Colombo and Galle where the cocktail list is built around arrack, which is the quickest way to taste this style used well before deciding whether to carry a bottle home.
Frequently asked questions
What is double distilled arrack?
Double distilled arrack is a mid-range Sri Lankan arrack named for spirit that has been distilled twice, as in a pot still. The method produces a fuller, smoother spirit than the entry-level styles. Several distillers make one, usually bottled at roughly 34 to 38 per cent.
Is double distilled arrack pure coconut arrack?
Not necessarily. Double distilled describes how part or all of the spirit was distilled, not whether neutral spirit has been blended in. Check the category line: only bottles stating 100 per cent coconut arrack contain nothing but distilled coconut toddy.
Is double distilled arrack better than old arrack?
The two are similar in price and quality, and preference is personal. Double distilled arrack tends to be livelier and fruitier, which suits cocktails. Old arrack tends to be softer and mellower, which suits water or soda. Tasting both side by side is easy in most bars.
How strong is double distilled arrack?
Double distilled arrack is typically bottled at roughly 34 to 38 per cent alcohol by volume, depending on the producer. The exact strength is printed on the label. It is slightly stronger than most extra special arrack and slightly below export-strength premium bottlings.
What is double distilled arrack good for?
It is a strong all-rounder. Use it in sours and punches where the spirit should be noticeable, with ginger beer or soda for long drinks, or with cold water. For neat sipping, an aged pure coconut arrack offers more depth.
How much is double distilled arrack in Sri Lanka?
A 750 ml bottle costs roughly US$13 to US$22 in a licensed shop, depending on the producer, with prices revised often because of excise duty. In a hotel bar a measure usually costs roughly US$2 to US$5 before service charge and taxes.