Rum

Rum

It's not easy to predict Best Rum Brands, but in India, it's safe to say that at least 2 out of 5 people you drink with, would order a peg of Old Monk. Such is the popularity of the celebratory sweet drink. Whether it's dark, white or spiced, there probably exists a type you'd happily sip on given a chance.

Having said that, this preference of alcohol seems to be largely centred around a few top rum brands, including the iconic names like Old Monk. But don't you think this delightfully yummy spirit, deserves to be explored a tad more deeply? Okay, even if you don't agree, let us at least provide you with insights into some of the best rum options when you're looking to purchase a bottle in 2024.

Bacardi

  • Bacardi is indisputably one of the best rum brands in India, one that offers an assortment of exciting flavours to its eager customers.
  • In addition to the terrific fruity flavours such as Apple, Strawberry, Limon, Grapefruit, Orange and Raspberry, Bacardi also has a white, black and gold rum up for grabs.
  • Their unique blends come with remarkable taste and fragrant aromas, and while the gold variant is certainly one of our favourites, we'd suggest you try all before settling on yours!
Available Variants
  1. Bacardi Limon
  2. Bacardi Carta Blanca
  3. Bacardi Black

Old Monk

  • Now, this iconic rum brand doesn't exactly need an introduction, does it? Extremely budget-friendly yet effective, Old Monk has been the most adored dark rum company in India since 1954.
  • Known for its soft taste palate, comprising vanilla, cola, spice, roasted coffee beans, and caramel flavours, Old Monk is cheap, accessible it is the best rum brand under 500, and absolutely yummy by itself, with some water, or a soft drink mixer, all in equal measure.
  • Old Monk got its name from a legendary tale of a British monk who, sneaking around the distillery, became a rum specialist, offering valuable advice to Mohan Meakin Ltd. Rum makers, leading to the naming of their first bottled rum in his honor.

Malibu

  • One of the best-selling rum brands in India and the world at large, Malibu's Coconut flavoured liqueur is absolutely mouthwatering.
  • It's like a vacation in a bottle, one that's full of tropical fresh coconut flavours with notes of vanilla custard. More than anything, the stuff goes down remarkably easily, considering its sweet fruity taste and charming coconut aroma.
  • One of the best rum brands we've ever tried, Malibu rum can be downed just by itself, or by throwing in some pineapple juice or flavour liquor.
  • The potential was evident - it embodied the essence of summer in a bottle and deserved a global presence. They selected the name Malibu for its positive vibe and association with warmth.

Cabo Coconut Rum

Think Goa is only about beer? Well, Cabo White Rum is all set to change that. This brewed-in-Goa white rum can be a great drink to hang out with on the beach. Its coconut-y taste makes it perfect for cocktails or you can go ahead and have it on the rocks. Luckily, it's easily available at nearly all local liquor and wine stores across Goa. So whether you're staying at a quaint homestay or a mainstream hotel close to the beach, or when you dare to think beyond beer, it shouldn't be trouble finding a bottle.

The drink is essentially a blend of white rum and coconut extract, making this one a hit on the drinking scene. You can have it in a Pina Colada cocktail, with your fave fizzy soda, fresh juices or on the rocks. No matter how you drink it though, it’ll bring back all the tropical feels, and make you nostalgic for balmy Goan evenings with palm trees and sea breeze.

McDowell's No. 1 Rum

  • Not just one of the top selling rum brands in India, but McDowell's Celebration rum has been amongst the best selling rum brands in the world for a while now.
  • It has a distinct taste of sharp vanilla and caramelised sugar, with subtle flavours of tea leaves, citrus zest and dry tobacco rounding off the palate.
  • Throw it into a glass with some soft drink mixer, or ginger beer if you're in the mood for experimentation.