India has a long and proud history of making some of the world’s finest spirits. From whisky to vodka, our country has a drink to suit everyone’s taste. And when it comes to rum, India is home to some truly outstanding brands (and you can get some awesome imported spirits too!). We’ll take a look at 8 of the best rum brands in India, and we’ll tell you why they’re so special. So buckle up and join us on a journey through the world of rum!
The 8 Best Rum Brands In India
- Old Monk Rum
- Captain Morgan Rum
- Bacardi Rum
- Havana Club
- Mount Gay Rum
- Malibu Rum
- Hercules XXX Rum
- McDowell’s No.1
1. Old Monk Rum
We’re sure you knew this would top our list. And why not? After all, Old Monk is one of the biggest Indian-made Foreign Liquor brands in the world. And that’s not the only reason why it has made it to the top of our list. This rum is ever-reliable and is mixed with spices, which fits the Indian taste palate perfectly. It’s India’s most popular rum brand that has a variety of rums available in the market. With a dedicated fan base, Old Monk has been listed as one of the best in the country.
Old Monk is affordable, easily accessible to the masses, has strong flavors, and also has high alcohol content. These are some of the many reasons why it has been a popular brand in India since it launched in 1935. Its vanilla flavor is easily recognizable and you get this rum in different-sized bottles. Besides, you can never go wrong with a glass of Old Monk by your side.
Old Monk Rum Variants:
- Old Monk Rum 7 years
- Old Monk Very Old Vatted XXX Rum
- Old Monk Reserve 12 Years
- Old Monk XXX Gold Rum
- Old Monk Fancy XXX Rum
- Old Monk Legend- Limited Edition
- Old Monk Supreme XXX Rum
- Old Monk White Rum
- Old Monk Apple Rum
- Old Monk Lemon Rum
- Old Monk Orange Rum
- Old Monk Cola Rum
- Old Monk Cranberry Rum
2. Captain Morgan Rum
Captain Morgan Rum is yet another classic rum brand on this list of the best rum brands in India. With its roots in Jamaica, Captain Morgan is a true Caribbean rum that has the perfect blend of sweet and spice. It’s affordable, smooth, flavorful, and blends beautifully with all kinds of mixers and spirits. What else can you ask for in a rum?
This is a brand of rum in India, that has some rich flavors of vanilla, spices, and brown sugar and is aged in oak barrels. These flavors have a perfect balance and give this drink a very smooth finish. Captain Morgan Rum has Dark Rum, White Rum, and Spiced Gold Rum available in the Indian market. All of which taste equally as good if not better than the other. You can sip on it on the rocks or make some great rum cocktails if you like.
Captain Morgan Rum Variants:
- Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold Rum
- Captain Morgan Dark Rum
- Captain Morgan White Rum
Also Read: 7 Classic Rum Cocktails
3. Bacardi Rum
Bacardi is not just a well-known rum brand in India but is popular across the globe. This brand was established in 1862 and has its roots in Cuba. It gained popularity slowly and steadily because of its great advertising campaign. Thanks to this, Bacardi is associated with the party scene across the globe. It’s great to have by itself, but also makes for an amazing cocktail spirit.
This rum brand in India is available in dark, white, gold, coconut, and cocktail options. So you get a decent number of options that you can pick from. Additionally, all of these are affordable and worth each penny you spend. But, if you had to pick one out of all these, the Bacardi Spiced Rum stands out. It’s one of the best-selling rums in the country. It has rich flavors of vanilla, cinnamon spices, and nutmeg. You should definitely give this rum brand a shot if you haven’t already.
Bacardi Rums Variants:
- Bacardi Gold
- Bacardi Black
- Bacardi Superior
- Bacardi Oakheart Spiced Rum
- Bacardi Limon
- Bacardi Tangerine
4. Havana Club
Havana Club is the 5th-largest rum brand in the world and a popular one in India. It has over 4 million case sales and remains to be a well-known budget-friendly rum. Even though it’s affordable, it doesn’t compromise on the taste or the quality. That’s precisely why it’s number 4 on our list. The flavors, smoothness, and lightness of Havana Club rum are something that makes it special.
This rum brand was established in Cuba in 1934. It’s one of those classic Cuban rums that just blend perfectly with all sorts of mixers and can be served on the rocks as well. Anejo 3-year-old is Havana Club’s most popular rum which is aged in bourbon casks for 3 years. They have a few variants of rum that are available in the Indian market. Choose the one that suits your budget and preference!
Havana Club Variants:
- Añejo Blanco
- Añejo 3 Años
- Añejo Especial
- Añejo Reserva
- Añejo 7 Años
- Cuban Barrel Proof
- Máximo Extra Añejo
Also Read: 10 Women Bartenders In India
5. Mount Gay Rum
Mount Gay is a rum brand that is known for its pleasant aftertaste. Its Barbadian roots are what make this rum very unique in its flavor profile. The filtered water by natural corals and the molasses that are used in its production impact the way this rum tastes. Its unique production technique also adds to Mount Gay’s fragrance and flavor.
Mount Gay Barbados Eclipse is one of the more popular rum variants. It’s known for its well-rounded palate, fruity flavors, and notes of vanilla, toasty oak, and banana. It has a very recognizable taste and aftertaste that makes you want to sip on this drink. Most other variants of the Mount Gay Rum have subtle hints of spices, or fruits, and a dark color as well. These features enable you to recognize Mount Gay Rum out of the lot.
Mount Gay Rum Variants:
- Mount Gay Eclipse Rum
- Mount Gay XO
- Mount Gay 1703 Old Cask
- Mount Gay 1703 Master Select
Also Read: 5 Rum Based Cocktails You Must Try at Mumbai Bars
6. Malibu Rum
The unique part about Malibu Rum is that it doesn’t fall under the liquor category but belongs to the liqueur family. It’s a spirit mixed with Caribbean rum and some coconut flavoring. That’s what makes it very different from the others on the list. It’s also why Malibu Rum is one of the best-selling runs across India.
Malibu Rum is often compared to the beach and sunshine. And why not? It has very tropical flavors and is also very refreshing. If you’re having the classic piña colada, it’s most likely made with Malibu Rum. The fruity flavors and smooth notes make it a cocktail-ready spirit. This rum is produced in the West Indies Distillery in Barbados and comes in various variants. The coconut variant is the one that’s most enjoyed by the masses in India.
Malibu Rum Flavor Variants:
- Malibu Original
- Malibu Passion Fruit
- Malibu Lime
- Malibu Pineapple
Also Read: 6 Classic Cocktails Named After Women
7. Hercules XXX Rum
Hercules XXX Rum is of Indian origin and has remained to be a loved rum among the armed forces of the country. Their rums are filled with rich flavors and sweet aromas. There’s a mix of flavors that Hercules XXX Rum offers you. The flavor comprises notes of oak, malt, and some Indian spices. These qualities suit the Indian palate the most and are one of the reasons why it’s been so popular.
The best way to enjoy a glass of Hercules XXX Rum is by adding equal parts of rum and Coke in a glass along with some ice. Besides, it also tastes delicious when mixed to create some exotic and classic cocktails. You can never go wrong with a bottle of either the Dark or White Hercules XXX Rum. They both have different notes, but are equally as good. So get your hands on Hercules XXX Rum and try it out for yourself to know what the hype is all about!
Hercules XXX Rum Variants:
- Hercules Deluxe 3‘X’ Rum
- Hercules Bianco Superior White Rum
You can now shop some rum merch from The Bay Store and add it to your collection!
8. McDowell’s No.1
Didn’t think McDowell’s No.1 rum would make it to the list? Well, it’s definitely one of the more affordable, accessible, and flavorful rums that are available in the Indian market. McDowell’s No.1 rum was launched in 1991. Since its launch, it has been one of the best ones in the international market.
McDowell’s No.1 has strong but not overpowering notes of caramel and vanilla along with the perfect balance of woody warm flavors. These aspects add a punch to the taste of the rum. You’ll not go wrong with this one on the rocks or with the classic Coke combination. You can sip on it after a long day of work or even when you hang out with friends.
McDowell’s No.1 Rum Variants:
- McDowell’s No.1 Rum Celebration
- McDowell’s No.1 Rum Caribbean
Also Read: 8 Of The Best Rums For Mojitos
Summing Up
Rum is one of the most enjoyed beverages in India. The brands mentioned above are some of the absolute favorite rum brands in India. Each of them has a very refined flavor palate and fits a lot of different budgets. Besides, they’re available in local liquor shops for the masses. So you can pick any of these rums that suit your taste and budget and we assure you won’t regret it!
FAQs
Which Rum Is Best In India?
As a rum lover, you may have tried on more than a couple of brands of rum in a variety of variants. But, some of the best ones that you can find in India are:
- Mount Gay Rum
- Old Monk
- Captain Morgan
- Havana Club
Which Is The Strongest Rum In India?
Old Monk is one of the most loved dark rum in India. It’s also one of the strongest rums in the Indian market, with a strong vanilla flavor and hues of dark brown.
Is It Good To Drink Rum Everyday?
Having rum occasionally or on special occasions is good, but like everything, do it in moderation. You should avoid having rum every day.
Which Are Some Premium Rums?
Ron Zacapa, Clement, El Dorado, and Angostura are some of the best premium rums you should get your hands on.
Which Is The Smoothest Rum?
If you’re on the hunt for some smooth rum, you may want to have a look at Captain Morgan Rum, Mount Gay Rum, and Bacardi Rum brands.
Which Rum Is Good In Taste?
Havana Club , Hercules XXX, Contessa XXX, Jolly Roger, and Old Monk Rum are some of the good tasting rums that you should give a try.
