Ah, you’re looking for something strong. Well then, you’re in the right place. Whether it’s to have on the rocks, with a cola or to stir up a cocktail, here are some of India’s best homegrown rum brands. To make your life easier, we’ve also included a few cocktail mixes and even a non-alcoholic rum & cola for those nights that you don’t really need the alcohol. So, kickback Tiki style, take a leaf out of Captain Jack Sparrow’s book and go “yo ho ho and a bottle of rum.”
Old Monk Or Maka Zai: Best Indian Rum Brands To Have At Your Winter Parties
Old Monk
This truly is legendary, iconic and all things good. So, we HAD to start the list with the OG Indian rum, Old Monk. Founded in 1954, Old Monk became an instant hit. Not too expensive (at all!), this dark rum is more about the memories you will make when a bottle of it is involved than anything else! If you’ve lived under a rock and never tried this before, expect hints of caramel, chocolate and peach, though it’s really not sweet at all.
Maka Zai
A hot new favourite for rum, Maka Zai means ‘I Want’ in Konkani, and clearly everyone wants it! With two options to choose from it’s quite the craze, and we love it. The white rum has a floral and sweet taste while the gold rum is a bolder flavour with hints of honey, cinnamon and vanilla too. We quite like it with ginger ale if you’re looking to mix yourself a cocktail.
Read more here.
Rock Paper Rum
It's a new day, and there's a new alcohol brand in the Indian market! And today, it is Rock Paper Rum, a cool new rum that's named after the popular Rock Paper Scissors game. This rum brand has two variants, both made with locally-sourced sugarcane, blended with rare botanicals and in small batches.
At INR 1,500 for 750ml, Rock Paper Rum, Indian Spiced variant, works well in cocktails, thanks to the oaky notes. If you like dark rum as is, then this one's for you, you brave soul. The Coastal White Rum (INR1350 for 750ml) on the other hand is refreshingly woody and sweet with a hint of vanilla. We recommend this one as a shooter.
Currently, this one is only available in Mumbai and both pack quite the bold punch.
Amrut Old Port & Two Indies
From the makers of the fine single malts, Amrut, comes these two, new homegrown rums - Two Indies and Old Port Deluxe Matured Rum. The former is a classic ode to Indian ingredients with notes of sugarcane, banana and other ripe fruits. You can actually taste the sugarcane when you drink it. It has a sweet-ish and dry finish, while the Old Port Deluxe Matured Rum is more silky. The Old Port one is also spicy with a hint of fruity. You’ll definitely taste ginger and nutmeg in this one. Perfect for those chilly nights, we say!
Wild Tiger
Wild Tiger Rum is a hidden gem from the jungles of Kerala with an almost bourbon flavour thanks to the casks they are aged in. Aged, blended and bottled in Kerala, on the banks of the Bharathappuzha river, it’s quite the interesting drink. With toffee, vanilla, almond and honey flavours combining for a well-balanced and rich taste, the rum is quite intense, in a good way. We love that the makers say the best way to drink Wild Tiger is the way you like it! The brand is larger than life, and really takes on the Wild Tiger persona. The website even has a roar. No, really, it does!
LBBTip: The brand supports the Wild Tiger Foundation and part of the purchase proceeds goes towards conservation of the tigers in India. So, drink Wild Tiger, save wild tigers!
Cabo White Rum
Another import from Goa, Cabo White Rum is a coconut-y drink that you can either mix into a cocktail or just have it on the rocks. Sweeter than most other rums, it’s got a tropical hit to it, no matter how you eventually drink it. If you are swanning around Goa, this is a great pick-me-up for the beach side, or your homestay. Or, if you love your friends very much, then a great souvenir to bring home...legally.
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Segredo Aldeia
From a tropical Portuguese Goa village famed for its rum, Segredo Aldeia tells the tale of Goa’s history, in a bottle. Distilled by Fullarton Distillers, there are two variants - a white rum and a cafe rum. The former is clear and you’ll get a creamy, herby, peachy taste. While the latter is a gorgeous amber that gives off whiffs of toffee and vanilla and tastes of dark chocolate.
Read more here.
Gladius
Part of the Boutique Spirits Brand, Gladius is a blended rum that is aged for 10 years, and is smooth, soft and combines fruity and woody notes. Ideal for new rum drinkers as it’s quite caramelly, it might not appeal to those who don’t like the spirit too sweet. It has a lingering buttery aftertaste so if you want something mello, Gladius is for you. Priced at approximately INR 1,400, it’s as easy on the pocket as it is on the palate.
& Stirred
If you like your drinks to have 0% alcohol but want in on the good vibes, try & Stirred’s premixes. Really, you’ll be everyone’s best friend because their Pina Colada (and Mojito also!) will bring the party to you. Perfect for when you want the tropical vibe at your party minus the tropical hangover the next day. The best part is that the premixes themselves taste yummy, and well balanced as a mocktail. Of course, you can freely mix in your choice of white rum too if you’re feeling the weekend spirits regardless!
Read more here.
Svami Progressive Drinks
This one is accurate cheating. It's Rum & Cola from Svami, but with 0% alcohol. Don't judge. It's amazing! A low calorie cola that is flavoured with vanilla, caramel and cinnamon, it gets the taste of rum and cola spot on, with a dash of lime too. You can have as many as you like, especially since it amounts to only 56 calories, and wake up the next day with no hangover!
Read more here.
