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A Brief Introduction
Rum is made from sugar, to put it simply. It is a distilled liquor made from sugar in molasses, syrup, or sugar cane that has been fermented first. This gives rum its characteristic sweet base flavour.
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Rums are generally categorised into two types: white and dark. Dark rum is made from fermented sugarcane, giving it a distinct sweetness. Aged in oak barrels, it develops rich flavours and a deep colour. Unlike lighter rums, dark rum is often enjoyed neat or in cooking. In India, several top-rated dark rum brands offer a variety of flavours and price ranges. Let’s explore some of the best dark rums available in the country.
Old Monk
Old Monk is an iconic Indian dark rum brand, introduced in 1954 by Mohan Meakin. Known for its smooth, caramel, vanilla, and molasses flavours, it is a favourite in India. Old Monk is available in sizes ranging from 180 ml to 1-litre bottles. Price ranges between Rs 500-700 for a 750 ml bottle. The most popular variants are Old Monk 7 Years and Old Monk Supreme. It is widely available in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.
El Dorado 12-Year-old
El Dorado 12-Year-Old, from Guyana, has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. It is known for its full-bodied flavour with notes of tropical fruits, toffee, and spices. The 750 ml bottle is priced between Rs 3,000-4,500 in India. This premium rum comes in sizes up to 1 litre, with the 12-year-old variant being the top seller. It is available in premium liquor stores in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.
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Plantation Original Dark Rum
Plantation Original Dark Rum is crafted in Barbados, blending rich, deep flavours of banana, clove, and caramel. With its complex history tied to Caribbean rum-making traditions, it is offered in 700 ml to 1-litre bottles, priced around Rs 2,500–3,500. Plantation’s dark rum variants, including Plantation O.F.T.D., are top sellers. You can find it in cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi.
Captain Morgan
Captain Morgan's dark rum variant, known for its spiced caramel and vanilla flavour, is widely popular. Originating from the Caribbean, it was introduced in India by Diageo. It is available in sizes ranging from 180 ml to 1 litre, with prices ranging from Rs 700-1,500. The top-selling Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold is available across cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai.
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Havana Club
Havana Club’s rich history is rooted in Cuba, where it began in the 1930s. The dark rum features bold flavours of dried fruits, vanilla, and oak. Its price ranges between Rs 2,000-3,500 for a 750 ml bottle, and it is available in sizes of up to 1 litre. The Havana Club Añejo 7 Años is among its best sellers. It is available in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Ron Zacapa Centenario
Ron Zacapa Centenario, hailing from Guatemala, is an ultra-premium dark rum. It’s known for its rich, layered flavours of dried fruit, cocoa, and spices. A 750 ml bottle typically costs around Rs 6,000–8,000. Zacapa 23 and Zacapa XO are top sellers. This luxury rum is available in high-end stores in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Goa.
Contessa
Contessa, an Indian dark rum, is produced by Radico Khaitan. It has a smooth flavour profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spices. Available in 180 ml, 375 ml, and 750 ml sizes, it is priced between Rs 500-600 for a 750 ml bottle. The Contessa XXX Rum is a top seller, widely distributed in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata.
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Appleton Estate
Appleton Estate is a premium Jamaican rum with a history that stretches back over 270 years. Its dark rum offers rich flavours of molasses, fruit, and oak. A 750 ml bottle costs between Rs 3,500-5,000. The Appleton Estate Signature Blend and 12-Year Old are top-selling variants. It is available in select premium outlets in cities like Mumbai and Delhi.
Also Read: Top 10 Whisky Brands To Try In India
Barceló (Imperial)
Barceló, a Dominican rum brand, is famous for its Imperial line. It has flavours of caramel, figs, and toffee with a smooth finish. Prices range from Rs 4,000-6,000 for a 750 ml bottle. Barceló Imperial is their most popular product, available in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
