India’s best rum brands redefining how the country drinks

The rum industry is booming in India, complete with a rum-centric bar in Goa, and aged, flavoured variants that consumers are learning to appreciate. Some of the best rums in India can truly hold their own even in the luxury alcohol market

The rum boom

Post-Covid, there’s a focus on craftsmanship, including the rum sector. The spice black rum and coffee rum are doing pretty well in India.

Bacardi

The Bacardí Reserva Ocho Rye Cask Finish Rum, inspired by a recipe from 1862, features dried fruits, spices, and oaky vanilla notes. Its 8-Year-Old Premium Golden Rum variant is a collectors' item in India.

Camikara

Aged for eight years in American oak barrels and made using pure sugarcane juice, this 42.8% ABV rum has flavours of banana, marshmallow, and sweet spices.

Amrut's Bella

Aged for six years in ex-bourbon barrels, this 100 per cent jaggery-distilled rum, uses jaggery from the Sahyadri ranges and Mandya.

Old Monk

Launched in 1954, Old Monk is a winter staple for most Indians, with its signature caramel, vanilla, and wax notes complemented by hints of orange and banana peel.

Daku Rum

This Indian brand has two versions-the Gold, with notes of caramel, spice, vanilla, and toasted oak, and the Silver, which is lighter, more crisp, and more suitable to make cocktails.

The Lovers Rum

This tropical rum is conceptualised around the Lovers tarot card, a balanced blend with 43 per cent ABV spirit and a whiskey-like maturity due to ageing. Flip the bottle for a Daiquiri recipe.

Appleton Estate

Made in Jamaica’s Nassau Valley, Appleton Estate was founded in 1655 when the English took over Jamaica from Spain. It's known for its aged rums like the 21-Year-Old Appleton Estate and the 25-year-old Joy Anniversary Blend.

Rum cocktails will always be on the menu

Even as Indians are drinking mezcal and tequila, one of the highest-selling cocktails in India is the Mojito, which is rum-based.