The Indian Rum landscape has undergone a major transformation over the years. While dark molasses rums and budget-friendly ones have been dominating the market for years, some heritage labels and modern craft distillers have changed the scenario. They elevated the category by introducing premium, botanical, and spice-infused rums in the market. Whether you try them on the rocks, neat, or use them for mixing, these spiced rums are sure to make you smile brightly! Here are the best spiced rums in India that you must try!
Wild Tiger Spiced Rum is a premium craft spirit that was conceptualized by Indian entrepreneur Gautom Menon. It was launched as Asia’s first premium spiced rum and is produced on the banks of the Bharathappuzha river in Kerala. This rum is strictly made from molasses, unlike conventional Indian rums. It is a blend of column-distilled molasses and double-pot-distilled fresh sugarcane juice spirit. Then it is matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks. This spiced rum is bottled at 38 percent ABV and has no artificial additives used, as it uses a natural infusion of native Indian botanicals.
.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Kamanda Matured Indian Spiced Rum is a mass-premium craft rum which was produced by the Khemani group. It is known in the Indian market for its unique infusion of Ginseng extracts with traditional botanicals. This spiced rum is bottled at 42.8% ABV while blending matured rum spirits with select Indian distillates. It is known for its Caribbean profile with an authentic Indian twist to it. It is loved for its dense, aromatic blend which is dominated by clove, cardamom, black pepper and cinnamon. On the nose, it offers notes of aged wood, a gentle hint of coconut, vanilla, and sweet cane sugar.
Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold is the global benchmark for spiced rum-style spirits. Owned by British spirits giant Diageo, it is bottled at 35% ABV. It blends premium Caribbean rums with natural mixes, Madagascar vanilla, and sweeteners. With a rich molasses base, it offers a deep, bright amber gold. On the nose, it offers aromas of marshmallow, sweet brown sugar, and rich natural vanilla. It offers an approachable mouthfeel dominated by cloves, cinnamon, dried fruits, toasted oak, and ginger. This spiced rum is loved for being an approachable, mixable spirit.
Sitara Botanical Spiced Rum is an ultra-premium homegrown craft spirit created by Spaceman Spirits Lab. It is created by combining pot-distilled and column-distilled Indian rums. The spirit is made by using high-quality sugarcane that is grown across the tropical Deccan Plateau of the Indian Peninsula. Sitara is double-aged in virgin American oak barrels, which allows the wood to give out toasted and deep vanillin characteristics. It is infused with a precise mix of regional botanicals like cinnamon, ginger, citrus orange peel, hibiscus, vanilla, cacao beans, and coffee. This spiced rum is bottled at a standard 42.8%.
Earth Rustic Spiced Rum is known as India’s first sustainably distilled spiced rum. It was launched under Surabhi Beverages and is distilled, blended, and bottled in the state of Goa. The brand uses ethically sourced local ingredients and biodegradable packaging materials. It is distilled from premium molasses using a combination of column and pot stills. The spirit features a natural infusion of earthy Indian spices like star anise, cinnamon, whole cloves, dark, peppery chocolate, and a hint of vanilla sweetness. Before infusion, the base spirit is matured in charred ex-bourbon American oak casks.
Rock Paper Rum Indian Spiced is an artisanal, small-batch spirit under the parent brand Rock Paper Rum. It is made from locally sourced Indian sugarcane instead of using strictly industrial molasses. The spirit is triple-distilled in small batches to ensure a highly refined, smooth base spirit. The palate is dominated by cloves, cinnamon, and green cardamom, which is anchored by oaky undertones and balanced with velvety sweetness. The distillers recommend serving this rum on the rocks with a splash of plain water or using it to elevate dark liquor cocktails.
Also Read: Rum Cocktails You Can Make At Home: 15 Easy Recipes For World Rum Day
Lost & Found Tropical Spiced Rum is a contemporary craft spirit that was launched by Third Eye Distillery. The brand is built to move away from the traditional Caribbean rum templates and capture regional ingredients and terroir of the Indian tropics. It is bottled at 40% ABV and relies heavily on native Indian botanicals as well as regional coastal elements. This rum features a well-rounded profile offering rich layers of caramel, burnt sugar, dried tropical fruits, and warm baking spices. It is balanced with a subtle hint of coastal salt as well as a velvety vanilla finish.
.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Also Read: Meet Karishma Manga Bedi: Founder Of IDAAYA, India’s Award-Winning Rum
Bacardi Spiced Rum is one of the most widely recognized mass-premium spiced spirits globally. It is crafted specifically for high mixability and smoothness. It uses a blend of light and heavy aged rums matured in charred American oak barrels. This spiced rum is bottled at 35% ABV globally and is officially labelled as a “Premium Spirit Drink.” It offers notes of maple, dark dried fruits, and vanilla fudge. This also includes a baking spice kick of cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. A very smooth and quick finish with a creamy vanilla coating and a subtle lingering warmth.
One tip I can recommend is to try to swap cola with sharp ginger beer while mixing with spiced rum. The blend is sure to highlight and elevate the flavors of the spices even better, making your experience extra special.
The Indian rum market has evolved from a simple and sugar-heavy drink to terroir-driven, sophisticated spirits. Whether you are a rum lover or someone looking to explore this new zone, these eight labels are surely the best!
