Top 10 Rum Brands In India Apart From Old Monk You Must Try
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As more people find its distinct tastes and rich legacy, rum has been progressively becoming popular in India. Although Old Monk has long been a favourite, new-age rum brands have surfaced to provide the Indian rum scene with diversity and refinement. These spirits satisfy a broad spectrum of tastes, from strongly spiced rums to delicate white varieties. Rum has evolved into a flexible and well-liked choice all around India, for fine sipping or laid-back gatherings.

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Rum is interesting because it can take drinkers to tropical settings with every sip. What sets it apart is the complexity of its flavour, the sugarcane sweetness, and the abundance of spices. Every bottle of rum is a work of art, and the artistic distillation techniques used to create it contribute to its allure. Rum also has a rich history. Rum has evolved into a real delight for the discriminating taste since new distilleries are continuously innovating. Let us now investigate some of India's best rum brands outside the venerable Old Monk.

Top 10 Rum Brands In India Beyond Old Monk

1. Maka Zai

Maka Zai, meaning "I want" in Konkani, is a standout craft rum distilled in Goa by Stilldistilling Spirits. Available in two variants—Bartender’s Edition (white rum) and Tribute Edition (gold rum)—this brand delivers distinct experiences. The Bartender’s Edition is clear and aromatic, with floral and herbaceous notes, thanks to sugarcane grown near the Panchaganga River. The gold rum, meantime, radiates luxury and has flavours including praline, dates, figs, caramel, and cinnamon. With the Olive Ridley turtle on striking packaging, Maka Zai reflects her close affinity to Goa's natural beauty.

Price: ₹2,595 (Price may vary in different states)

Image Credit: Official Instagram Account

2. Earth Rustic Spiced Rum

Earth Rustic Spiced Rum, crafted by Sachin Bhamri and Vijay Khalate, offers a medium-bodied spiced experience. Infused with cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and peppery chocolate notes, this rum provides a balance of sweetness and spice. Its finish is smooth, with subtle vanilla lingering on the palate. Bottled in Goa with biodegradable packaging, Earth Rustic Spiced Rum focuses on sustainable production, making it an ethical and flavourful choice for rum lovers seeking a unique blend of spices and earthiness.

Price: ₹1,350 (Price may vary in different states)

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3. Rock Paper Rum

Rock Paper Rum, produced at Mumbai’s Good Barrel Distillery, brings a nostalgic touch to rum enthusiasts. This triple-distilled rum is available in two variants—Coastal White and Indian Spiced. Coastal White offers vibrant vanilla and woody notes, perfect for a refreshing sip, while the Indian Spiced variety presents malty, oaky flavours with hints of vanilla. Its design, inspired by the childhood game, stands out with its retro look and smart typography. Rock Paper Rum’s delightful balance makes it an excellent option for cocktails or neat sipping.

Price: ₹1,500 (Price may vary in different states)

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4. Segredo Aldeia

Segredo Aldeia, meaning "secret village" in Portuguese, comes from Goa's Fullarton Distilleries. This rum is available in white and café rum variants. The smooth white rum offers vanilla, caramel, and sweet wood notes. The café rum adds dark chocolate and coffee flavours, making it an indulgent experience. Its packaging, designed by Mumbai-based Studio Bigfat, evokes a sense of mystery and history. Inspired by an urban legend, Segredo Aldeia’s flavours take drinkers on a journey through Goa’s tropical landscapes.

Price: ₹1,400 (Price may vary in different states)

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5. Amrut Two Indies

Amrut Two Indies brings together the best of both worlds by blending Indian molasses and Caribbean rums from Jamaica, Barbados, and Guyana. Each rum is matured separately before being blended to perfection. The taste offers fresh sugarcane, ripe banana, and tropical fruit aromas, with hints of oak spice. Smooth and well-balanced, this rum leaves a lasting impression with its warm spices, mango, and toasted coconut flavours. The subtle sweetness makes it an excellent companion for those who appreciate complex, layered spirits.

Price: ₹1,790 (Price may vary in different states)

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6. Pipa – Rum de Goa

Nao Spirits’ Pipa is an ode to the rich history and colonial influences of Goa. Made from jaggery spirit and aged in Ruby Port Wine casks imported from Portugal, Pipa is a refined rum with balanced sweetness and spice. Black pepper, cinnamon, and clove dominate its flavour profile, offering a rich and layered tasting experience. This limited-edition rum, matured for a year, is perfect for sipping on special occasions, while its delicate yet complex character adds depth to cocktails.

Price: ₹3,000 (Price may vary in different states)

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7. Idaaya

Idaaya combines Indian molasses spirit with Panamanian rum, which has been around for 12 years. This silky rum, crafted in Jammu, delivers a warm and deep flavour that lingers on the palate. Its smoothness, highlighted by hints of spice, earned it recognition at international competitions, winning multiple awards. Idaaya’s rich flavour profile and its connection to ancient energy make it a fascinating addition to India’s growing premium rum market, appealing to those who seek something luxurious and sophisticated.

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Price: ₹7,500 (Price may vary in different states)

8. Mesma Barrel-Aged Rum

Mesma Barrel-Aged Rum is a small-batch offering from Stilldistilling Spirits, the makers of Maka Zai. Aged for five years in ex-bourbon casks, Mesma is rich in flavour, with a bouquet of orange peel, tobacco, and sweet berries. Its vibrant amber colour adds to the allure, while the palate is greeted with citrus, vanilla, apricot, oak, and cocoa. Limited to only 600 bottles, Mesma is a true treat for rum aficionados looking for something exclusive and well-aged.

Price: ₹3,600 (Price may vary in different states)

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9. Short Story Rum

Short Story Rum, by Third Eye Distillery, offers a blend of Indian, Jamaican, Trinidadian, and Dominican rum influences. This white rum has strong notes of banana and coconut, with a balanced mix of vanilla and clove spices. It’s tropical and grassy, delivering a long and complex finish. The minimalist approach to its packaging reflects the simplicity of its creation process, allowing the rum’s natural flavours to shine through.

Price: ₹1,950 (Price may vary in different states)

Image Credit: Official Instagram Account

10. Camikara 12YO

Camikara is a 12-year-old rum made from pure cane juice, distilled in the village of Indri, Haryana. This rum spends over a decade maturing in American oak casks, where it develops rich flavours of sun-kissed mangoes, earthy oak, and fiery ginger. Produced by Piccadilly Distilleries, Camikara offers a taste of India’s first pure cane juice rum, providing a unique experience for rum lovers. Its luxurious flavour makes it a must-try for those seeking a refined spirit.

Price: ₹6,000 (Price may vary in different states)

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The Indian rum scene has grown beyond Old Monk, with new-age distilleries crafting unique and high-quality spirits. Whether it's the spiced allure of Earth Rustic or the aged elegance of Camikara, these rums offer a fresh take on this beloved drink. Each brand showcases the innovation and passion driving India’s rum renaissance. There's never been a better time to explore the diversity and craftsmanship behind these homegrown spirits.

Disclaimer: The price of the Rums may vary in different states. The prices given are derived from the Goan market.