Raising the Bar: Indian Rums and Their Recent Renaissance

India has long had a rich love affair with rum — a spirit whose roots in the subcontinent go back centuries. Historically known for its deep-flavoured, molasses-based rums, India’s rum segment is undergoing an exciting transformation. From heritage brands deeply entwined with Indian culture to innovative craft expressions earning international acclaim, the Indian rum story is now one of evolution, premiumisation, and global recognition.

In this blog post, we explore the legacy of Indian rum, the recent developments in the domestic rum market, and the exciting new brands and innovations that are putting Indian rums on the world map.

A Heritage Spirit: The Roots of Indian Rum

For decades, rum has held a special place in Indian drinking culture. Unlike in many other spirit categories, rum’s popularity in India didn’t come primarily through colonial imports — it grew organically. Rum became accessible and affordable across the country, carving a niche as a go-to spirit for celebrations, casual gatherings, and everyday enjoyment.

The classic Indian dark rum — rich, sweet, and full of character — remains a beloved choice among consumers nationwide. Its distinct flavour profile and adaptability in mixed drinks helped establish rum as one of India’s most consumed spirits.

Two names have dominated this space for generations:

• Old Monk — Perhaps the most iconic Indian rum, Old Monk was introduced in the mid-20th century. Its unmistakable vanilla-sweet profile and cult following made it a household name. For years, Old Monk was one of the largest selling rums globally, achieving enormous popularity without traditional advertising, relying instead on word of mouth and loyal customers.
• McDowell’s No.1 Celebration — A later entrant that went on to claim the top position in Indian rum sales, overtaking many competitors and becoming one of the world’s best-selling rum brands in its own right.

These brands helped shape India’s rum culture — but as consumer tastes evolve, so too has the category.

Shift in Taste: From Mass-Market to Premium Experiences

The Indian spirits market has seen a powerful shift over the past decade. Rising disposable incomes, exposure to global drinking trends, and a growing appetite for unique flavours and experiences have driven demand beyond mass-market rums towards premium and craft expressions.

Consumers today are drinking “less, but better” — prioritising quality and craftsmanship over volume. This trend has led to the emergence of new rum styles, innovative production techniques, and a reimagining of what Indian rum can be.

Recent Developments in the Indian Rum Market

Here’s a look at some of the most exciting developments that define the new era of Indian rums:

1. Global Awards and Recognition

A watershed moment for Indian rums came when Camikara 3YO, India’s first pure cane juice aged rum, won a Gold Medal at the prestigious Rum & Cachaca Masters Awards 2025 in London. This accomplishment marked the first time an Indian rum achieved such a feat on the global stage, signalling the rising quality and craftsmanship of Indian rum producers.

Additionally, Camikara was named Rum Brand of the Year at the Spirits Business Awards 2025 — further cementing India’s presence in the premium rum segment.

These accolades are more than mere trophies; they reflect a broader shift in the perception of Indian rums, once dismissed as simple molasses spirits, now recognised for complexity and world-class quality.

2. Innovative Expressions and Craft Distilling

Traditionally, Indian rums were primarily molasses-based. However, newer distillers are embracing alternative bases and traditional techniques to create unique offerings:

• Pure Cane Juice Rums: Camikara has been at the forefront of this, embracing a style closer to Rhum Agricole, which highlights fresh sugarcane flavours rather than relying on molasses alone.
• Jaggery-Based Rums: Amrut Distilleries, known for its world-renowned whiskeys, has introduced a single-jaggery rum — a distinctive expression that pays homage to India’s ancient tradition of jaggery production. This rum is matured for several years, offering a flavour profile that balances sweetness and depth.
• Micro-Distillery Creations: Smaller, craft distilleries are also rising. Rums such as Hüli — a handcrafted jaggery rum from a micro-distillery in Karnataka — and Neoli Himalayan Rum — a pure sugarcane juice rum distilled in the foothills of the Himalayas — exemplify the diversity and experimentation driving the category’s growth.

3. New Brand Entries and Flavoured Innovations

Beyond heritage and craft rums, several newer brands and variants are expanding the product landscape:

• Ochre Spirits’ Mango Citron Rum blends tropical fruit flavours with traditional rum distillation — a creative take appealing to younger and cocktail-centric consumers.
• Daku Rum launched with distinctive flavour notes inspired by India’s Chambal Valley — has garnered early attention for its bold character.
• Nomad Oscuro: A dark rum aged in unique barrels, offering rich aromatic profiles suited to both sipping and cocktail creations.
• Pipa Rum from Goa infuses local spices and undergoes port wine barrel maturation, creating a luxurious and culturally rooted spirit experience.
• Neoli Himalayan Rum: A premium rum made from 100% fresh sugarcane juice, distilled in the foothills of the Himalayas, offering a clean, smooth profile suited for both sipping and contemporary cocktails.

These innovations show how producers are combining local culture, indigenous ingredients, and global techniques to craft truly Indian expressions with broad appeal.

Looking Forward: India’s Rum Future

The rum revolution in India is still young, but its trajectory points upward. Several key trends are shaping the future of the category:

Premiumisation continues to grow – As educated consumers explore spirits beyond mainstream offerings, demand for premium and craft rums is likely to increase. Producers who focus on small-batch distillation, unique base materials, and thoughtful ageing practices stand to capture this audience.

Global Opportunities – International recognition, like Camikara’s awards, inspires confidence in Indian rum’s potential on the world stage. As global drinkers become more adventurous, India’s sugarcane heritage and innovative interpretations could unlock export opportunities rarely seen before.

Mixology and Cocktails

With the rise of cocktail culture across India, rum’s versatility makes it a favourite among bartenders. Newer styles: from spiced to aged cane juice rums offer exciting building blocks for contemporary cocktail menus.

Conclusion

From its humble beginnings as a mass-market spirit to its current reinvention as a premium and craft-driven category, Indian rum is experiencing one of the most exciting phases in its history. The blend of tradition and innovation, embodied by heritage brands like Old Monk and McDowell’s, as well as modern trailblazers like Camikara, Amrut Bella, Neoli, and others, heralds a new era for this beloved spirit.

As the Indian rum market continues to evolve, it not only reflects changing consumer tastes at home but also positions India as a vibrant player on the global spirit’s stage.

Raise a glass  Indian rum is on the rise!