Found Urrack On Summer Menus In Goa? Here’s More On This Spirit — That Isn’t Feni
A spirit with a seasonal flourish and a story rooted in coastal narratives, the Goan urrack is perhaps one of the more lesser-known regional Indian liquors, complete with its own flavourful complexity. While many tend to muddle it with the more recognisable Goan cashew liquor feni, the seasonally available urrack is actually quite distinct from its distant cousin.
Even though both can be prepared by distilling cashews, urrack is far lighter and fresher than the feni and has a more delicate flavour profile. With a long tradition and a short, seasonal shelf life, urrack is an artisanal spirit with much complexity, a regional blend that appears rustic but has quite a smooth mouthfeel.
Also Read: 5 Coconut Feni Cocktails That Celebrate Goa’s Local Spirit with a Tropical Twist
What Exactly Is Urrack?
Urrack can best be explained as the first distillate procured from cashew apples. In summer months spanning the period between March to May, the cashew fruit is harvested in quintessential Goan cashew gardens and is fermented and distilled. The first run of this distillation process produces what is identified as urrack, a slightly rugged, rustic and raw alcoholic beverage.
The blur between feni and urrack perhaps arises because of this distillation process. While urrack is the first cut acquired following distillation, feni for its part, is the second or third, slightly more robust distillate. Urrack is the softer, younger cousin, subtly fruity and meant to be consumed fresh.
Urrack’s Flavours
The aroma of urrack, contrary to feni, is actually quite fruity. Although it has a distinct fragrance of its own, it is characterised more by an organic cashew-apple tang which comes from the freshly harvested fruit. In terms of taste too, urrack follows a similar pattern. It is quite fresh, sometimes tart and sweet and can have a bit of a yeasty undertone. Rather than a robust texture, urrack appears smooth albeit slightly rustic, which makes it stand out as a fresh summer drink.
In fact, in Goan traditions, urrack’s aroma is often described as that which smells like ‘summer orchards.’ And one of the most interesting practices of artisanal Goan distillers is that urrack continues to be produced in small batches. This means that not only does the spirit remain available only in summers, that is, for a very short duration, every batch of this liquor gets its own customisation — each version tastes slightly different depending on the fruit, fermentation and the distiller’s process.
Seasonal, Fleeting Charm
What makes urrack such a standout drink is its seasonality. This has made Urrack a truly rare and quite fascinating spirit, contributing to a building intrigue. The short-lived seasonal drink is available for just about 2–3 months during summer. When monsoon strikes, urrack is in short supply. This impermanence is perhaps what contributes to its traditional renown.
Traditional Serves And Storing
In local traditions, urrack is then served before monsoons arrive; otherwise it is said to lose out on its taste. A pinch of rock salt or a slit green chili is traditionally used to accentuate the spirit to highlight its fruitiness. Another interesting practice includes chilling urrack in earthen pots. In several local Goan households, it is stored briefly in clay vessels, which cool the liquid and lend it a soft earthiness.
In traditional practices, urrack is seldom served by itself. It is either accompanied by sour or spicy elements, or even a splash of lemon-lime soda. The drink is generally served at social occasions as a fresh spirit meant for gatherings around beachy, tropical shacks.
Here’s a simple way to make a traditional Goan serve of urrack, when you next find yourself in one of its beach towns in summer:
Ingredients:
- 30 ml fresh urrack
- 50 ml club soda
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Ice as required
- Slit green chilli for garnish
Method:
In a tall cocktail glass filled with lots of ice, bring together 30 ml fresh urrack and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Top this off with 50 ml club soda and garnish with a slit green chilli.
*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
