21+ Rum Brands in India: Best in 2024!

Rum has come a long way from being overpowered by sweetness and coconut flavour to becoming the party drink with new aromas. 

Today, I am here with the best Rum brands in India, known for their flavoursome taste. 

Rum is a big attraction because of its low price point, making it affordable. You can enjoy a top-quality rum without spending a fortune on it. There are many rum brands with great products in the market. 

Here, I will review the best Rum brands along with the price, features and other details. 

Also, for all the Gin lovers, we have reviewed the Top Gin Brands in India you must try!

17 Best Rum Brands in India - Must Try!

Best Rum Brands in India With Price

If you are looking for the best rum brands in India, then you must try these. The Rum brands given in this list are irresistible and have great taste.

Best Rum Brands in India

Origin

Price 

1. Old Monk

India

Rs. 550 for 750 ml 

2. Bacardi

Santiago de Cuba

Rs.620 for 750 ml

3. Malibu

Barbados

Rs. 2,100 for 700 ml

4. Captain Morgan

Jamaica

Rs. 1,203 for 750 ml

5. Havana Club

Cuba

Rs. 1,905 for 750 ml. 

6. Hercules XXX Rum

Karnataka India, House of Khodays

Rs. 495 for 750 ml

7. McDowell's No. 1 Celebration Rum

United Spirits Limited, a subsidiary of Diageo

Rs. 413 for 750 ml

8. Charlie Rum

India

Rs. 400 for 750 ml

9. Goslings

Bermuda

Rs. 1,600 (Approx.) for 750 ml

10. Zacapa 23

Guatemala

Rs. 7,000 (Approx)

11. Contessa XXX Rum

India  

Rs. 1,120 (Approx) for 750 ml 

12. Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

US Virgin Islands

Rs. 2,390 

13. Appleton Estate Rum

Jamaica

Rs. 1,840 (Approx) for 750 ml 

14. Jolly Roger Rum

India 

Rs. 970 for 750 ml 

15. Mount Gay Rum

Barbados

Rs. 3,600 for 750 ml 

16. Ron Matusalem

Santigao de Cuba

Rs. 2,640 for 750 ml 

17. El Dorado Rum

Guyana

Rs. 3,120 for 750 ml 

18. Barceló Rum 

The Dominion Republic

Rs. 9,000 for 750 ml

19. Santa Teresa Rum  

Venezuela

Rs. 7,190 for 750 ml 

20. Diplomatico Rum

Venezuela

Rs. 3,490 for 750 ml 

21. Angostura

Venezuela

Rs. 4,423 for 750 ml 

22. Amrut Two Indies Rum  

India

Rs. 1,790 for 750 ml 

If you are planning to try rum for the first time here is an age alert, everyone. You must be above the age of 18 to consume any alcoholic drink. Whenever you are drinking, you should remember while having fun, it is also important to behave responsibly.

Overview of the Best Rum Brands In India 

I have done a detailed review of the best Rum brands in India. Check out the features, flavour type, alcohol content etc. and pick one which suits you best. 

1. Old Monk

Old Monk

Old Monk is an Indian rum introduced in 1954. It is one of the best-selling rums in India, with 6 different variants available in the market. This rum is dark in colour and has a strong taste. You will get a taste of vanilla flavour from this rum. 

This rum is aged for 7 years, which contributes to its strong colour and taste. Old Monk is one of the best rum brands in India under budget, which is one big reason behind its popularity. The primary ingredient used in the preparation of this rum is sugarcane.

Old Monk is known for its unique taste and flavours. The alcohol content in this rum brand is 42.8%.

Popular variants - Old Monk Rum 7 years, Old Monk Very Old Vatted XXX Rum, Old Monk Reserve 12 Years, Old Monk XXX Gold Rum

2. Bacardi

Bacardi

Bacardi Rum brand in India is a favourite among alcohol lovers who enjoy premium taste. There are 3 popular Bacardi rum types in India, with prices ranging from Rs 800 to 1600. The brand goes back to 1862 when it launched its first flavour, vanilla. Now it offers rum in different flavours like orange, green apple, lemon, raspberry, and dragon berry. 

It is the perfect rum for making cocktails in restaurants and bars. The brand has a unique open-winged bat logo which is a symbol of brotherhood. It is one of the most recommended in the list of best rum brands in India. 

Bacardi is known for its unique taste and flavours. The alcohol content in this rum brand is 42.8%.

Popular variants - Bacardi Gold, Bacardi Black, Bacardi Superior, Bacardi Oakheart Spiced Rum

3. Malibu

Malibu

Pernod Richard, a French company, owns the Malibu rum brand, but it is manufactured from Caribbean rum and therefore has a gentle coconut flavour to it. If you don't want to have regular rum and looking for anything interesting then Malibu is one of the best rum brands to have. 

It is a summer rum with a fresh and smooth taste. It is a fruity rum with different flavours as variants. The flavour variants available are banana, pineapple, passion fruit, melon, mango, and more. The alcohol content in this rum is lower as compared to any other brands we have on our list. Malibu is again an affordable rum brand in India. If you are choosing from the best rum brands in India, which doesn't cost you a fortune, then this is the one.

Malibu is known for its unique taste and flavours. The alcohol content in this rum brand is 21%.

Popular variants - Malibu Original, Malibu Passion Fruit, Malibu Lime, Malibu Pineapple

Make your meal more flavoursome by pairing it with an exquisite wine. Check out this article on the best wine brands in India and pick your favourite. 

4. Captain Morgan

Captain Morgan

Are you looking for a spiced rum in India? Then Captain Morgan is a great choice of rum. This rum was introduced in 2011 with a quirky slogan, "To Life, Love, and Loot". The brand is named after a famous Caribbean privateer popular in history, Sir Henry Morgan.

This rum is manufactured from distilling sugarcane. It is then aged in an Oak barrel for about one year, which contributes to its golden brown colour. After the ageing is done, spices are added to add character to this rum. It is a delicious rum drink in India. This is again a budget-friendly in the list of best rum brands in India. 

Captain Morgan is known for its unique taste and flavours. The alcohol content in this rum brand is 42.8%.

Popular variants - Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold Rum, Captain Morgan Dark Rum, Captain Morgan White Rum, Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold and Cola Premix

5. Havana Club

Havana Club

Havana Club is a popular rum brand, and it is the best-selling rum brand in India. The brand originated in Cuba in 1934. This brand is the fifth biggest rum brand in the world, and you will find it in around 120 countries. This rum brand has a strong flavour of Caribbean Chocolate and Vanilla in its products. 

Havana Club rums are aged for 7 years, which contributes to their strong colour and taste. It is a smooth and light rum with great taste. The rum goes very well with cocktail drinks like Mojitos. Havana Club is known for its unique taste and flavours. The alcohol content in this rum brand is 40%.

Popular variants - Havana Club Añejo Blanco, Havana Club Añejo 3 Años, Havana Club Añejo Especial, Havana Club Añejo Reserva, Havana Club Añejo 7 Años.

6. Hercules XXX Rum

Hercules XXX Rum

Hercules XXX Rum brand is manufactured under the Karnataka-based Khoday Group. In the last few years, this old dark rum brand in India has not just gathered an enormous fan base in India, but it has become the first choice of rum in the Armed Forces. This rum tops the dark rum brands list of 2022 and turns out to be one of the star items on our list.

It is full-bodied with rich flavour and sweet fragrance. These are two important characteristics that suit the Indian sense of taste impeccably. Hercules XXX brand produces both dull and white rums in India.

The alcohol content in this rum brand is 42.8%. It is one of the best rum brands in India available in the market. 

Popular variants - Hercules Special Reserve Rum (dark), Hercules XXX Rum (dark), Sovereign XXX Rum, Hercules XXX White Rum

7. McDowell's No. 1 Celebration Rum

McDowell's No. 1 Celebration Rum

McDowell's No. 1 Celebration Rum is one of the most common rum brands in India, with a price which is affordable and within the budget range. It has a rich taste with notes of caramel and vanilla in its flavour profile.

This is not just among the best rum brands in India but is quite popular in different parts of the world as well. McDowell's No.1 rum is manufactured under United Spirits Limited, an auxiliary of Diageo, and it was first introduced into the market in 1991. 

This brand knows how to pack in a punch with regard to taste. McDowell's No.1 Celebration Rum is known for its rich, balanced flavoured taste spirit. The alcohol content in this rum brand is 42.8%.

Popular variants - McDowell’s No.1 Celebration Deluxe XXX Rum, McDowell’s Caribbean White Rum

8. Charlie Rum

Charlie Rum

Charlie is one of the topmost selling rum in India. It comes with an insanely rich and refined taste that will definitely give an amazing feeling. It is available in a very budgeted amount that everyone can easily afford. 

Consuming rum in winter in a limited quality will definitely help you to fight against winter. It is one of the best rum brands in India under the budget of 2000. This one is known for its amazing taste, and it contains 42.8% of Alcohol. 

Popular variants - Charlie Gold XXX Rum, Charlie XXX Superior Rum

9. Goslings

Goslings

Gosling is a brand that originated in Bermuda. Black Seal is the most popular rum of Goslings. It is made from a 150-year-old recipe. The full-flavoured dark rum with Rich & intricate flavour.

Goslings Family Reserve Old rum is another popular variant of the brand. Ol Rum is crafted using the same ingredients, but it is aged longer for a rich flavour. It comes with a special packaging that adds to the essence. The ABV for Gosling's rum is 40% 

Popular variants - Goslings Family Reserve Old Rum, Goslings Black Seal Rum

10. Zacapa 23

Zacapa 23

Zacapa 23 is a premium brand that uses virgin honey. The brand follows a slow ageing process for the perfect aroma and flavour. The popular variants of the brand include Zacapa Edicion Negra, which is aged from 6 to 24 years. It has a smoky, woody finish which makes it delightful among the best rum brands in India. 
Zacapa XO is a unique blend of aromas and flavours of rare rums. It is aged from 10 to 25 years. in barrels previously used to store American whiskeys. It pairs perfectly with desserts and dark chocolates. This brand has an alcohol by volume of 40 per cent 

Popular Variants - ZACAPA XO, ZACAPA NO. 23, ZACAPA EDICIÓN NEGRA

11. Contessa XXX Rum

Contessa XXX Rum

If you want to enjoy a lingering taste that stays even after the last sip, try the Contessa XXX Rum. This premium quality Rum offers a smooth taste developed by the notes of caramel, vanilla and spice. 

It’s totally up to you how you want to enjoy this mouth-savouring drink for any occasion. Drink it alone or make your favourite cocktail with it. This is a really good choice among the best Rum brands in India, even for the people with the most discerning palate. 

Popular variants - Contessa 12-Year-Old Rum

12. Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

Sailor Jerry Rum originated in America during the time of World War 2. This drink was a tribute to the maritime tradition and became extremely popular due to its smooth quality and bold flavours. Norman Collins, known as ‘Sailor Jerry’ was a famous tattoo artist whose bold vision of life inspired the American soldiers of that time. Get yourself a treat from one of the best rum brands in India. 

Popular variants - Jerry Loves Ginger, Ginger Spiced Rum, Negroni Ginger, Daiquiri Ginger and Rum Old Fashioned

13. Appleton Estate Rum

Appleton Estate Rum

This Jamaican Rum is another example of how the source of production can add to the taste and uniqueness of any drink. The ingredients from the Nassau Valley greatly contribute to the aroma and delightful taste of Appleton rum. This makes it one of the best brands to have. The Appleton Estate is the oldest sugar distillery in Jamaica, running for over 265 years. 

Popular variants - Appleton Signature Single Estate Jamaica Rum, Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12 Years Old Rum, Appleton Estate 21 Years Old Rum, Appleton Estate 50 Years Old Rum

Do you know sweet red wine is actually healthy to drink? Learn about the best sweet red wines in India and know more about their benefits. 

14. Jolly Roger Rum

Jolly Roger Rum

If you want to enjoy the best of flavours in every sip, try Jolly Roger Rum which offers an exceptional taste. This one is rich in taste and gives a strong flavour. Enjoy its smooth texture in the company of your friends for a jolly day. Don’t forget to use this rum to make a variety of pirate-themed cocktails. This one is very popular in the list of best rum brands in India. 

Popular variants - Jolly Roger Gold, Jolly Roger Spiced, Jolly Roger Silver, Jolly Roger Coconut, Jolly Roger Special Dark

15. Mount Gay Rum

Mount Gay Rum

This rum comes directly from Barbados with a distinct flavour and rich aroma. It is made from distilled coral water and a unique set of fermentation practices native to the place. Mount Gay Rum is also popular for its brilliant aftertaste that lasts long. It is the oldest rum producer in the world, operating since 1703. 

Popular variants - Mount Gay Eclipse Heritage Blend Rum, Mount Gay XO Peat Smoke Expression Rum, Mount Gay XO Rum, Mount Gay 1703 Master Select Rum

16. Ron Matusalem

Ron Matusalem

Get yourself a premium rum aged in the oak barrels for 23 years. This rum owns the unique aroma and flavour of its distinct manufacturing process. It has a sweet fruity taste indulged with sugary and spicy notes. You will get hints of honey, golden syrup, crunchy almonds and cedar wood on your taste palette. Must try this one from the list of best rum brands in India. 

Popular variants - Ron Matusalem - Gran Reserva Fifteen Year Old Rum, Ron Matusalem - Gran Reserva 23, Ron Matusalem - Clasico 10

17. El Dorado Rum

El Dorado Rum

Indulge yourself in the experience of more than 300 years of skilled Carribean rum crafting. This premium rum is artfully blended so that you can enjoy the most savoury taste to satisfy your soul. 

Do you know El Dorado won gold 7 times in the first decade at the Caribbean Rum Taste Test in London? So take your time, and try one of the best rum brands this winter. 

Popular variants - El Dorado 3 Years Aged Rum, El Dorado 8 Years Aged Rum, El Dorado 12 Years Aged Rum, El Dorado 15 Years Aged Rum, El Dorado 21 Years Aged Rum

18. Barceló Rum 

18. Barceló Rum 

Here comes the most exported dark rum in the world. This rum has a spicy flavour profile with the sweet hints of caramel. It is the only Dominican rum made with 1005 sugarcane juice from their own plantations. This legendary rum has been awarded many times and aims to become the best rum in the world. The best way to drink Barcelo rum is to enjoy it alone. If you want to mix it with a beverage, take one with a neutral taste and no bubbles. This way, you can enjoy the rich flavour of this rum. 

Popular variants - Imperial Maple Cask, Imperial Premium Blend 40 aniversario, Imperial Porto Cask, Imperial Premium Blend, Imperial Onyx, Blanco Añejado

19. Santa Teresa Rum 

19. Santa Teresa Rum 

If dark chocolate suits your palette, try the Santa Teresa rum. It has the flavour profile of bittersweet chocolate, nuts and buttery biscuits. Do you know about the Solera process used in ageing alcohol? Well, casks of different aged rums are placed in the shape of a pyramid, with the oldest at the bottom. Santa Teresa rum is aged in the same process, and the oldest rum is around 35 years old. This rum has a quite bold taste and offers a smooth and balanced flavour. 

Popular variants - Santa Teresa 1796, Santa Teresa Gran Reserva, Santa Teresa Claro, Ron Centenario Gran Reserva 25 aniversario

20. Diplomatico Rum 

20. Diplomatico Rum 

The Diplomatico rum is exactly what most rum lovers prefer—rich, sweet, and fruity. It has been awarded more than 20 times due to its exquisite taste and premium texture. Diplomatico rum is carefully crafted with the best ingredients and is aged for upto 12 years. This rum has a signature smooth taste with the taste profile of orange peel, toffee, vanilla, honey and cloves. It can elevate your cocktail drinks big time. 

Popular variants - Diplomático Reserve Exclusiva, Seleccion De Familia, Palanas, Mantuano, Diplomático 2007 Single Vintage, Diplomático Ambassador Selection  

21. Angostura

21. Angostura

If you prefer a creamy rum that is gentle on your taste buds, you should try the delicious Angostura rum. It is very popular among alcohol lovers owing to its rich, warm flavour and smooth taste. Angostura offers a sweet vanilla taste and finishes with tropical notes like coconut and banana. It offers both white and dark rum variants with the larger popularity of dark rum variants. 

Popular variants - Angostura Rum 7 Years, Angostura Tamboo, Angostura 1824 Rum, Angostura 1787, Angostura Zenith Rum, Angostura No.1 Cask Collection

22. Amrut Two Indies Rum 

22. Amrut Two Indies Rum 

Amrut Two Indies is a Bangalore-based alcohol company. The rum offers a citrusy taste and has mild spicy notes. It has a slightly higher percentage of alcohol, with 42.8% ABV. Amrut Two Indies rum offers a neat taste and makes a great base for cocktails. It is made with the blended rums from India and West Indies, and also has an affordable price. 

Popular variants - Amrut Fusion Single Malt, Amrut Double Cask, Amrut Kadhambam, Amrut Naarangi

Final Words

Winter season calls for Rum! Get yourself a Malibu, Old Monk, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum or anything else from the list of Best Rum Brands in India. All the brands that I have mentioned are very popular among the alcohol lovers. But if you are a first-timer and still want a recommendation, then you can start with Bacardi Superior and then try its other variants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which rum is best in India?

A. Old Monk has been considered to be the best rum in India for over a long time. 

Q. What are the 7 types of rum?

A. The 7 types of rum are - White, Dark, Spiced, Gold, Overproof, Agricultural and Navy. 

Q. Which are the best rum brands in India? 

A. Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Malibu, Captain Morgan and Old Monk are the best rum brands in India. 

Q. Do they make rum in India?

A. India has been growing sugarcane for more than 4,000 years. Rum has been made in the country since the 19th century. 

Q. Is rum stronger than whiskey?

A. The alcohol content of rum varies from 40 to 60 per cent in different countries. Meanwhile, the alcohol content of whiskey is usually 40 percent. 

About Author

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Vaishnavi

Content Writer

Coffee lover and a little writer, who believes in unicorns.