"Tuak" is the what the Iban community name
their alcoholic beverage made of fermented rice, yeast and sugar basically it is
also referred to as rice wine. The beverage is a popular drink among the Ibans
and other Dayaks of Sarawak during the Gawai festivals, weddings, hosting of
guests and other special occasions. ‘Tuak’, ‘ Burak’, ‘ Montaku’, ‘ Sake’, ‘
Berem’ or rice wine is actually drank by most community in Borneo and the world
generally but having different names and base ingredients.
Tuak is a dying art. Why?
There is no proper exposure as to
really promote Tuak to the world. The only commercial tuak that I know is the “Royalist”.
Thank you for a proactive
initiative done by Mr. Agustus Sapen under the Persatuan Warisan Sarawak Kuala
Lumpur for organising the Tuak Education and Appreciation Session recently at
Leonardo’s , Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. Truly it was and event to be commended
because it managed to bring people particularly from the Peninsular Malaysia to
know more about the dying art of making Tuak.
The crowd was reasonably large
considering the size of the cosy event venue and I can see that Agustus managed to
educate the crowd on how Tuak is made, including myself (perhaps I should be
making a batch too!). Participants had a great time by sampling myriad range of
Tuak from different Tuak makers from Sarawak and also rice wine from other
parts of the world.
Tuak making should be revived
because it is an art; an art which requires immense skill to make a great Tuak.
One of a community’s value is known through its skill in certain art, so why
not make Iban community be known as the Tuak Master, master in making it that
is. Make a name for yourself, and this is a wake up call for other Borneo community as
well because you too have your special brew and distinct characteristics of your rice wine.
Going to the venue
At the venue, Leonardo's
With Mr. Agustus Sapen
One happy face, Mr Francis Kanyan
More happy faces
Yes I agree that Tuak making process is a tedious one but with proper education and hygiene guidelines I am sure that Tuak will make its way like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Rose of the foreign land.
