Rum Brands – Popular Options In India

While whisky is the most widely consumed spirit, rum is the second most preferred in India

When it comes to alcoholic drinks, there are many options such as whisky, vodka, rum, beer, etc. Many people prefer rum, as it has a relatively sweeter taste and is more affordable than whisky. The association with the armed forces for that macho feel is another reason why many people prefer rum in India. If you are a rum lover or are looking to try it for the first time, here are some rum brands you can consider.

Old Monk – This is one of the favorites among rum lovers. It is said that Old Monk rum is stored in oak barrels to achieve that distinctive taste and deep chocolate brown color. Old Monk rum is preferred for its smoothness, sweetness and flavors of caramel, vanilla and premium spices. A unique aspect of Old Monk is that this rum brand has gained popularity largely through word-of-mouth publicity. Old Monk tastes great with just plain water and can also be had with cola.

McDowell’s No. 1 – This rum brand is a direct rival to Old Monk rum. People who switched from Old Monk to McDowell’s No. 1 say that the latter has a more refined taste and a better overall kick. However, these are opinions and can vary from person to person. In terms of sales, McDowell’s No. 1 is considered to be ahead of Old Monk. However, the fight is usually neck and neck. People who prefer a more refined flavor are likely to go with McDowell’s No. 1.

Amrut Two Indies – Produced by Amrut Distilleries, the Two Indies is a dynamic blend of flavors from India and the Caribbean. Even the name of the rum provides ample clues about what the Two Indies is all about. A pot-stilled rum, the Two Indies utilizes a blend of traditional jaggery sourced from India and aged rums sourced from locations such as Guyana, Jamaica and Barbados. The final product has the flavors of sweet Indian sugarcane, along with the flavors of tropical fruit and oak seen with classic Caribbean spirits.

Maka Zai – This is a good example of the booming craft spirits scene in India. Made in Goa, the Maka Zai means ‘I want’ in Konkani language. Maka Zai rum is available in two versions, the white rum named Bartender’s Edition and the golden rum named Tribute Edition. The white rum has distinctive flavors of sugarcane grown locally. The golden version is aged in oak barrels, giving the rum mixed flavors of honey, cinnamon and dry dates.

Short Story white rum – This rum brand is classified as ‘bar-ready’, focused on quality and transparency. Rum lovers will find flavors of Indian molasses spirit and the taste of rums sourced from Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Trinidad. While the overall taste is smooth, one can notice the exciting tropical aroma of Jamaican rums. Short Story white rum is among the preferred rum brands for making high-quality cocktails such as Mojitos and Daiquiris.