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If you're only familiar with the traditional Old Monk and Coke cocktail, you might be surprised to learn that there are many more modern Indian rums to explore. Modern distilleries in India are making homegrown rums that are worthy of a place in your bar; they are either great on their own or mixed with your favourite cocktails, such as a velvety rum Old Fashioned or a bright, citrussy Daiquiri. If you're looking to stock up on Indian rum, here are the best Indian craft rum brands that you must try, and they’re all nominated for the upcoming Zee Zest Unlimit Awards 2025!
Kohinoor Reserve Dark Rum
This rum is handcrafted in small quantities using fresh cane juice throughout the winter in northern India. It is then matured in American oak barrels that had previously held American single malt, then in barrels that had previously held Cognac XO and vermouth. Similar to the illustrious Kohinoor Diamond, this hand-crafted Indian dark rum, known as The Kohinoor Reserve, is a paragon of opulence and elegance, drawing on centuries of tradition in its production.
Perfect for: This is the perfect liqueur for a rum-based old-fashioned or the perfect complement to a fizzy ginger beer!
Old Monk Coffee
A crowd favourite, Old Monk Coffee XO Rum, people love its unique flavour profile and silky aftertaste. Old Monk's reputation for skilfully combining age-old rum-making methods with innovative taste infusions is well-known. There aren't many coffee-flavoured rums that spend at least seven years in age, but this one does. This ageing procedure elevates the coffee infusion to a new level of excellence, adding nuance and complexity.
Perfect for: Old Monk Coffee XO is a multipurpose cocktail component because of its coffee-infused essence. Cocktail mixers such as ginger ale, tonic water, or cola go wonderfully with it. Add a shot to an espresso martini for an additional kick, or try it in a traditional rum drink like a Coffee Rum Mojito for a stronger experience. If you prefer to drink your rum neat, this one is great with or without ice.
Amrut Bella
In September 2024, the world was introduced to Bella, a rum made entirely of jaggery, by the renowned Amrut Distilleries, an Indian spirits company. Bella, meaning jaggery in Kannada, is made from sugarcane harvested in the Chikodi region of the Belagavi district in northern Karnataka.
After six years of ageing in barrels that had previously held bourbon, the spirit gains a rich, nutty, and sweet taste. As a nod to India's storied jaggery-growing legacy, Amrut's Bella rum is an attempt to provide rum consumers with an alternative to the market's standard molasses offerings.
Perfect for: This is the perfect liqueur for a Cuba Libre, as its sweet and mature taste goes well with this cocktail, which is simple yet iconic—rum, cola, and lime. The caramel notes of cola blend with the rum’s molasses sweetness and a zing of citrus.
Daku
Daku rum comes from the Chambal area of Central India, which was previously notorious for the rifle-toting dacoits that roamed its ravines. It is produced by the Gwalior-based distillers Bapuna Alcobrew, who are also known as the creators of Chambal Gin. Daku is available in two different colours: gold and silver. Daku Gold, a silky drink in a rich maroon with a touch of copper, is perfect for cold evenings spent rooftop-drinking in Delhi. A delicate caramel aroma wafts up the nostrils.
As you raise a glass, a delicate cinnamon spice, a hint of sherry, and caramel will entice your taste buds. When compared to other amber rums, Daku Gold strikes a good balance and isn't too sugary. White rum Daku Silver has hints of mace, vanilla, and nutmeg. For those seeking a sweeter taste, Daku Silver, a lighter version of Daku Gold, delivers a powerful punch with its floral overtones and robust vanilla taste.
Perfect for: Bitter, fruity, and herbal notes will best compliment Daku. If you want a little tip, we recommend you add this to a unique rum cocktail combining dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice, and lime for the best punch of flavour!
Camikara
Harvested, juiced, and distilled from the finest sugarcane stalks in 2009 in the picturesque Haryana town of Indri, the resulting spirit was aged in 956 American oak barrels. For twelve long years, this alcohol has aged with the wood, changing its appearance, taste, and personality along the way. The Sanskrit word for gold, Camikara, was ultimately used as the name.
Camikara is the first Indian rum manufactured entirely from cane juice, and it is produced by Piccadilly Distilleries, the same people responsible for the flagship single malt Indri. Sip on this and experience the sweetness of bananas, earthy oak, spicy ginger, and mangoes caressed by the sun.
Perfect for: We recommend you make a classic Rum Punch with Camikara! It is a Caribbean favourite made with a mix of rums, tropical juices (pineapple, orange), grenadine, and bitters. The lasting notes will be sweet, boozy, and bursting with fruitiness.