Raising spirits: how Tuak Alus is brewing a cultural revival
Ayden Chong and Raffly Langi began brewing tuak in their own kitchens for personal consumption. (Tuak Alus pic)
KUALA LUMPUR : Raffly Langi grew up with tuak in his village in Betong, Sarawak. As an Iban, this traditional rice wine was a staple at home during harvest festivals, celebrations, and family gatherings.
'My family has been brewing tuak for a very long time,' the 32-year-old told FMT Lifestyle. 'My aunties would prepare the yeast a few months before Gawai, and they'd use the rice they harvested to ferment it into tuak.'
Raffly, a former service engineer, didn't pay much attention to the brewing process back then. Little could he know that years later, he'd become the master brewer of Tuak Alus, a brand co-founded with Ipoh-born Ayden Chong – and another partner who has since left to pursue other goals – seven years ago.
Together, they have turned a village tradition into a smooth, golden pour that's making waves across the Klang Valley and beyond.
'I feel very proud because I finally get to create something that celebrates my culture – something that can bond and unite everyone. I'm also really happy because many Borneans enjoy our tuak. They truly believe it's on a different level,' Raffly, who is now based in KL, shared with a smile.
Operating mostly at pop-up markets in Klang Valley malls, Tuak Alus produces over 100 bottles a month. You'll also find the tuak mixed into cocktails at some of KL's top bars.
Raffly and Chong currently offer three flavours: tuak laki, the boldest of the lot; tuak induk, a sweeter version with palm sugar; and tuak pandan, which is light and easy.
Chong fell in with tuak when he tasted the rice wine during the Gawai Festival one year. (Tuak Alus pic)
'We have created our own ecosystem. We make our own yeast, which has galangal, ginger, and pepper – a little bit of Kuching,' quipped Chong, a recruitment consultant.
He noted that the higher yeast content gives Tuak Alus a stronger alcohol by volume (ABV) content than most. 'The longer we let it brew, the more the rice and yeast settle to the bottom. That's what gives it the clear, golden colour and smooth taste.
'This is how we distinguish ourselves. Some tuak brands out there are either too milky or too sour,' the 30-year-old added.
Chong's own love affair with tuak began years ago in Raffly's village, even though the pair hadn't met yet. He fondly remembers his first Gawai celebration in a longhouse, where the Iban hospitality came with generous pours and the notorious tuak trail – house to house, glass after glass.
'I only lasted halfway!' he laughed. But that buzz sparked an idea: why not bring this beloved Bornean brew to peninsular Malaysia?
So, after connecting with Raffly, the duo began brewing in their kitchen, using Raffly's family recipe. They started with small batches, gradually refining their process.
'We shared our brew with our friends and family, and began experimenting with different flavours. Soon, our friends started ordering from us,' Chong recalled.
Raffly says they only filter their tuak after letting it sit for months, which results in its unparalleled smoothness. (Tuak Alus pic)
Tuak Alus has since built a loyal following, especially among Sarawakians living in the Klang Valley.
'One lady from Bintulu tried our tuak in a KL pub and couldn't stop thinking about it,' said Raffly, now a full-time brewer. 'She ordered bottles from us and paid the high shipping fee just to get it sent back to Sarawak!'
Their dream is to put tuak on the world map, the way soju is tied to Korea or sake to Japan. 'It's a beautiful way to represent one of Malaysia's many cultures,' said Chong.
For Raffly, the biggest stamp of approval comes from home. 'My family finishes our bottles really fast!' he laughed. 'They tell me it's different from anything they've had before. That's why it's so special to me.'
So, the next time you're looking to raise your spirits – figuratively and literally – skip the usual wine or whisky and give Tuak Alus a try. It's bold, it's golden, and it might just leave you wondering how you ever partied without it.
Follow Tuak Alus on Instagram.
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