Share
India’s rum scene has always been about the Old Monk, the classic that is a household name and a staple in every bar. But while Old Monk and Coke was your first introduction to Indian rum, there is a whole new generation of distilleries that are redefining the rum experience in India. These new-age Indian rums are crafted with love and attention to detail, blending tradition with modernity to create spirits that are as versatile as they are tasty.
Whether you like to drink your rum neat and savour the flavours or mix it into your favourite cocktails, these Indian rums have something for everyone. From rich, smooth rums that elevate an Old Fashioned to citrusy rums perfect for a Daiquiri, the flavour profiles are incredible. These are not just drinks, they are an experience and a celebration of India’s craft spirits movement.
As you explore the new-age Indian rums, you will find bold, complex spirits that deserve a place in every connoisseur’s cabinet. Here are eight Indian rums you should add to your bar right away.
Rock Paper Rum
Rock Paper Rum, triple distilled with a special blend of botanicals, comes in two flavours: Coastal White and Indian Spiced. The Coastal White is woody and vanilla, the Indian Spiced is smooth and golden with oaky malty flavours. Made by Good Barrel Distillery in Mumbai, these rums are as fun and retro as the game they are named after, with packaging that stands out on any bar.
Image Credit: Freepik
Earth Rustic Spiced Rum
Earth Rustic Spiced Rum is a medium-bodied spirit that tastes of cinnamon, star anise, and cloves and finishes with chocolatey, peppery notes and a hint of vanilla. Made with sustainability in mind, this rum focuses on low-waste logistics and is perfect for sipping or mixing.
Image Credit: Freepik
Pitbull Rum
Pitbull Rum, with its tropical, spicy and oaky character is inspired by the breed of dogs it’s named after. Made in Aurangabad with molasses and barrel-aged spirits, this rum has fruity notes of banana, fig and candied orange with a subtle natural sweetness. The smoky aftertaste highlighted with anise and cinnamon adds a surprising depth to this Indian rum.
Image Credit: Freepik
Segredo Aldeia
Segredo Aldeia from the makers of Pumori Gin and Woodburns Whisky comes in white and café rum. The white rum is smooth with vanilla, sweet wood and caramel notes. The café rum combines South Indian coffee beans with sugarcane and jaggery for a mildly sweet, malty flavour with dark chocolate and coffee hints. Inspired by the secrets of Portuguese Goa, this rum is as mysterious as its name which means ‘secret village’ in Portuguese.
Image Credit: Freepik
Idaaya
Idaaya is an ancient energy meets Himalayan mystique. 12-year-old rum from Panama blended with Indian molasses spirit from Jammu. Silky smooth and warming your throat without the burn, this drink offers a rich, lingering flavour that coats your palate, making it perfect for sipping.
Image Credit: Freepik
Pipa – Rum de Goa
Pipa means barrel in Portuguese. Pipa captures the essence of Goa with a hint of colonialism. Made from jaggery spirit and aged in Ruby Port Wine casks from Portugal. Infused with black pepper, cinnamon and clove. A balanced blend of sweet and spice, pipa is one of the most beloved types of rum.
Image Credit: Freepik
Mesma Barrel-Aged Rum
Mesma is a premium, small-batch rum aged 5 years in ex-bourbon casks. Produced by Stilldistilling Spirits in Goa, this limited edition is vibrant amber with a bouquet of orange peels, bananas and sweet berries. On the palate, it delivers a smooth, balanced experience with notes of citrus, vanilla, oak, and cocoa, making it a delight for rum enthusiasts.
Image Credit: Freepik
Camikara 12YO
Camikara, India's first pure cane juice rum, is also the first Indian rum ever to win a gold medal at the prestigious IWSC Awards 2023. An eloquent name derived from the Sanskrit term for ‘liquid gold,’ Camikara is a truly exquisite creation that takes pride in its unique heritage.
Image Credit: Freepik
Unlike most rums that are prepared with molasses or by-products of sugarcane, Camikara is a sipping rum naturally aged in ex-bourbon barrels for 12 years. This limited edition offers a rich flavour profile with notes of honey, vanilla, bitter chocolate, ripe bananas, orange peel, dark chocolate, and charred wood, bottled at 50% ABV with no added sugar, flavour, or colour. Camikara rediscovers an age-old Indian rum tradition and is a celebration of the land, time, culture and people of India.
