The 29th of January will mark Arak Day in Bali. The annual celebration of the island’s traditional coconut palm liquor is seen by many as an opportunity to showcase the traditional culture and modern innovation that is inspired by the island’s ancient heritage.
Bintang, Bali’s most iconic beer brand, has just launched a new flavor ahead of Arak Day 2025. Bintang Arak Jeruk & Madu brings together three iconic Balinese flavors: arak coconut palm liquor, Kintamani orange, and honey.
The new flavor is also being celebrated by an exclusive artistic commission from local Balinese artist, Ida Bagus Ratu Antoni Putra, also known as Monez, who has weaved a cultural story into the bottle’s design.
Putra told reporters at the product launch “Togetherness is the core of Balinese culture, where customs always emphasize a sense of unity. I am very enthusiastic because, through this collaboration, I can raise local values and combine them with the spirit of Bintang products.”
Putra added “In Balinese customs, arak plays an important role in traditional ceremonies. With this product, the tradition can be introduced more widely, especially to the younger generation.”
He shared “I was given the freedom to explore local identity through my visual style. This is a form of appreciation for tradition, which is expected to reach various groups.”
During the press event the Marketing Director of Multi Bintang Indonesia, Jessica Setiawan, explained that Bintang Arak Jeruk & Madu has been created as a nod of of respect for the Balinese arak tradition.
She shared “This drink combines the distinctive taste of arak with the freshness of orange and the sweetness of honey. We want to provide an authentic yet modern drinking experience for the community, especially the younger generation who want to celebrate their cultural heritage.”
The beer is now available across Bali and is available in two sizes, a large bottle (620 ml) and a small bottle (330 ml), with an alcohol content of 4.9%.
Bintang drinkers are advised to of course enjoy these drinks responsibly. Setiawan added, “We hope this product will be a new way for the younger generation to enjoy tradition in a relevant way.”
She concluded, “For more than 70 years, we have not only presented products but also supported the preservation of local culture.”
Bintang beer has become an internationally renowned beer brand, least not due to Bintang branded singlets, t-shirts, caps, and beer coolers becoming some of the most popular Bali souvenirs purchased by tourists over the last 30 years.
Bintang, meaning ‘star’ in Bahasa Indonesia, is Indonesia’s most popular locally brewed beer and is available across the province, from corner stores to the finest of fine dining establishments.
Bali has been on a mission to promote its cultural heritage in new ways and the promotion of arak products and arak culture has been a recurring theme over the last few years. The launch of Arak Day, held every January, has been seen as an innovative way to boost the reputation of this locally brewed spirit.
Tourists are reminded, however, that drinking home-brewed arak can be very dangerous indeed. Methanol poisoning is a serious risk in Bali and across Indonesia and tourists have long been advised to only drink bottled beers, pre-mixed bottled spirits/mixers, and wine while in the country.
For tourists who want to experience the unique flavors of Bali, namely orange and honey, in an alcohol-free way, be sure to look out for fresh Kintamani orange juice on drinks menus across the island.
Jeruk Kintamani, or Kintamani oranges, are grown in the volcanic highlands and fertile soils of central Bali and are one of the province’s most prized natural products.
Take a step inside any of Bali’s health food shops, like Bali Buda for example, and you will find an array of different honeys. From raw forest honey to wildflower honey, there are so many subtle flavors to explore and take home with you.
Remove All Ads & Unlock All Articles… Sign up for The Bali Sun Premium
Plan Your Bali Holiday:
Book The Best English Speaking Drivers For Airport Transfers & Tours
Choose From Thousands of Bali Hotels, Resorts, and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
Book Cheap Flights To Bali
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance That Covers Medical Expenses In Bali
For the latest Bali News & Debate Join our Facebook Community
SUBSCRIBE TO NEW POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Bali Sun’s latest breaking news, straight to your inbox.
Nigel
Wednesday 29th of January 2025
You can keep your arack taste horrible