Cane Returns in The Land of Spices
India has an extraordinary variety of geography and climates, from the tropical plains of the south to the temperate and alpine mountains of the Himalayas in the north. The country’s climate is strongly influenced by these two features: the Himalayas and the Thar Desert. The monsoon, or rainy season, lasts from June to September, slowly sweeping across the country from late May or early June.
India, the world’s second-largest producer of sugarcane after Brazil, has a rich and complex history with rum. Sugarcane cultivation has thrived in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka for over 1,500 years. However, rum distilling in India has been dominated by industrialized producers. Today, a new wave of brands is rewriting the story, creating a more authentic spirit rooted in the land and bottling quality rum.
Although sugar production originated in India with sugarcane juice reduced into a solid form called jaggery, large-scale distillation arrived much later. The Portuguese established sugar mills in India in the 15th century but didn’t introduce rum production. However, Goa developed its own unique spirit, Feni, distilled from cashew apples in pot stills similar to those used for mezcal. This 16th-century tradition continues today, making Feni India’s only spirit with a Geographical Indication (GI) status.
Several states have a historical distilling tradition, like Rajasthan with spirits flavoured with saffron and cardamom. The 19th century marked a turning point as the British set up industrial distilleries to supply their military. Established in 1855, the Kasauli distillery in Himachal Pradesh is Asia’s oldest operating distillery and one of the world’s highest, at 2000 metres. Later it relocated to Solan and became part of Mohan Meakin. They launched the now iconic Old Monk Rum in 1954 with its unique bottle resembling imported Scotch whisky, which remains a leading Indian rum brand and is fondly supported to this day.
Meanwhile, Bengal, the capital of the British Raj, established sugar refineries and exported Bengal rum. Known for its strength and dryness compared to 1780s Jamaican rum, it became the first national drink of Australia.
Historically dominated by molasses-based, mass-market dark rums, the Indian rum landscape has primarily been Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) production. These large distilleries are closely linked to the country’s sugar production.
Interestingly, a legacy of the British taking rum to the foothills of the Himalayas means that even today, many people in India still associate rum as a winter beverage, in stark contrast to its summer vibe elsewhere. With rising disposable income post-pandemic, modern consumers are developing more adventurous palates, driving demand for higher-quality drinks. This presents a new opportunity for local rum producers in the thriving cocktail culture.
The story of Indian rum is evolving to meet this demand, a new wave of producers has emerged, pioneering a shift towards more authentically made rum, cane juice rums, and premium spiced rum. Although small in scale, this exciting chapter promises to redefine the future of Indian rum on the global stage.
Sugarcane generally takes a year to mature depending upon the variety and location and harvest is from December to March. Our India rum adventure starts in the north and travels south through the vibrant regions in between.
Punjab
The northwest state bordering the Himalayas is named “The bread basket of India”, for to its vast fertile plains which grow grain The region has a long history of distilling rum.
Camikara Rum
Camikara is inspired by the age-old practice of distilling cane juice to create the local brew Laahan in Punjab. Piccadily Distilleries, which makes Camikara, takes this tradition further by maturing the spirit in oak casks. The name Camikara is derived from the Sanskrit term for “liquid gold,” and presents itself as India’s first pure cane juice rum. The brand entered the market in 2022 with the launch of Camikara 12 YO, a limited-edition rum aged for 12 years in ex-bourbon barrels. With only 6% of the initial barrel amount remained after the angels claimed their share.
Camikara launched an 8YO expression in 2023 available for international markets. In March 2024, Camikara 3YO, aged for three years in American oak barrels was launched and available across 13 states including Haryana, Maharashtra, Goa, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Piccadily Distilleries is in the final stages of developing a new visitor centre due to open in Autumn/Fall 2024. This commitment to India’s growing appreciation for high-quality spirit and experiences is one of the few rum visitor attractions you can visit.
Find out more on Camikara Rum
National Capital Territory
New Delhi, capital of India, resides within the National Capital Territory of Delhi. This vibrant city thrives in a subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Beyond its bustling urban center and iconic landmarks, the surrounding landscape transitions into fertile agricultural plains, a key contributor to India’s flourishing sugar industry.
Sitara Rum
SĪTÄRĀ Rum was launched in 2023 by the Spaceman Spirits Lab in Delhi. The first collection in the series, ‘The Maiden Voyage’, has two premium rum expressions distilled from sugarcane grown in the Deccan Plateau. Sitara Barrel Aged White Rum is a blend of column and pot-distilled Indian rums that are aged in Virgin American Oak barrels and then charcoal filtered. The second release is the Sitara Botanical Spiced Rum which is also a blend of column and pot-distilled Indian rums but aged for a slightly longer and then infused with seven handpicked botanicals to create a spiced rum. These botanicals include Cinnamon, Ginger, Orange, Hibiscus, Vanilla, Coffee and Cacao Beans. Launched in Goa with plans for other regions thereafter.
Find out more on Sitara Rum
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is known as The Heartland of India for its rich culture, World Heritage sites, cuisine, and sugarcane! Nearly 45% of India’s total sugarcane is produced here. Sugarcane grows in the west, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic plains, and also near the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site of the Taj Mahal monument in Agra.
Eekh Rum
Eekh Rum by Abhijeet Roy and Simran Singh of Madhushala Beverages was formed in 2022 in north India. Eekh translates to ‘sugarcane’ in Hindi. From Uttar Pradesh, top sugarcane-producing region in India, the freshly squeezed cane juice is fermented and distilled in column stills and matured in virgin American white oak vats. Eekh Rum is promoted as India’s first craft of 100% pure cane spirit. In 2024, new expressions of Eekh Rum are planned for release, one of which is tailored for use in cocktails. Currently, Eekh Rum is available in Goa and will soon be distributed to other states in India. you can have a Pure Eekh Experience in premium bars and restaurants around Goa Like Hosa, Slow Tide, Petisco, Baja, etc and plan other cities across India soon.
Find out more on Eekh Rum
Radico Khaitan
Earlier known as Rampur Distillery, Radico Khaitan has been making Indian rums since it began in 1943. As one of the most recognised IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor) brands in India, their flagship rum is Contessa Rum, and 1965 Premium XXX Rum honours the sacrifices made by brave soldiers in the Indo-Pak war of 1965.
In 2024 The Kohinoor Reserve Indian Dark Rum was launched by Rampur Distillery, the parent company Kohinoor Reserve Indian Dark Rum is a small-batch distillation using only fresh cane juice during the North Indian Winter season. The rum is matured in American oak barrels, previously used to mature Indian single malt whisky, followed by further maturation in Cognac XO and Vermouth casks.
Find out more on Radico Khaitan
Maharashtra
This western state is known for its stunning coastline along the Arabian Sea and the megalopolis of Mumbai,
Western Ghats Mountain range, the fertile Deccan Plateau, and coastal plains provide a variety of agricultural regions. Maharashtra is one of the leading regions for sugar factories making molasses for alcohol production.
Short Story Rum
Established in 2018, Short Story White Rum is from Third Eye Distillery. This is a blend of Indian molasses rum with 3 different rums from the Caribbean – a high-ester Jamaican rum, balanced with a touch of a cask-aged Dominican & Trinidadian rum. Having bought cocktail consultancy Countertop India it’s now become ‘The Countertop Lab’, a space dedicated to experimentation, and hospitality training and open to the public on select days by appointment only. They are growing the brand in 9 states including Goa, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Haryana.
Find out more on Short Story Rum
Rock Paper Rum
Founded by Lalit Kalani in 2021, Rock Paper Rum is produced at Good Barrel Distillery in Mumbai’s Bandra. It’s inspired by the nostalgic game of rock, paper, and scissors. Rock Paper Rum brand secured funding from Shark Tank judge, Vineeta Singh on the show. Lalit’s vision is to become one of the leading rum brands for modern Indian palates. Indian Spiced, Coastal White, Zesty Lemon, Roast Coffee, and Tropical Coconut are triple-distilled rums made with a blend of flavours and botanicals.
Find out more on Rock Paper Rum
Pitbull Rum
Founded in 2024 by liquor industry veterans Karishma Chandy and Kalpesh Parekh Happenstance Beverages Pitbull Dark Rum is made with the best quality sugar cane molasses, blended with 2 years aged spirit and rich Caribbean flavours. They plan to set new standards for rum in India elevating its status with their brand.
Find out more on Pitbull Rum
Madiraa Rum
Launched back in 2010, Madiraa Gold Dark XXX Rum by Tilkanagar Industries is well known for its Mansion House brands. The name Madiraa is a nod to Portuguese Madeira, where the famous Madeira wine comes from, and Madira is the Hindi word for alcohol. It’s made from sugarcane juice, distilled and aged in oak barrels.
Find out more on Madiraa Rum
Goa
On the southwest coast about 250 miles south of Mumbai, Goa is one of India’s smallest states. Despite its size, its varied geography contributes to a thriving agricultural scene including sugarcane. This former Portuguese colony has a stunning coastline with sandy beaches, estuaries, waterfalls, and rainforests. The southwest monsoon blows between June and September.
Maka Zai Rum
Maka Zai by Stilldistilling Spirits was launched in 2021 by Kasturi Banerjee. Maka Zai means ‘I want’ in Goa’s Konkani language. Maka Zai has two expressions – White & Gold. Maka Zai White Rum is made with sugarcane grown in and around the Panchaganga River (pictured above) in Maharashtra. Fermentation and distilling are in the same region as the cane is grown and it’s said to pick up the influences of the red soil. Maka Zai Gold Rum (Tribute Edition) is matured in oak casks and blended in Goa. In 2024, Maka-Zai Mesma was a limited-release barrel-aged rum maturated in multiple casks for 5 years.
Find out more on Maka Zai Rum
Earth Rustic Spiced Rum
Billed as India’s first sustainably distilled rustic spiced rum bottled in Goa. Launched in 2019, Earth Rustic Spiced Rum founded by Sachin Bhamri of Surbhi Beverages has an eye on sustainability with biodegradable packaging. This spice-infused Indian rum has hints of cinnamon, clove, and star anise.
Find out more on Earth Rustic Rum
Segredo Aldeia
Founded in 2013 Fullarton Distilleries has created Segredo Aldeia White Rum and Segredo Aldeia Café Rum. Segredo Adeia means ‘secret village’ in Portuguese and is a homage to a rum story and a place upstream on the banks of the Mandovi River. The rum today is made in Goa at the distillery from sugarcane and jaggery, and the café rum is made with beans from South India.
Find out more on Fullarton Distilleries
Pipa Rum de Goa
In 2024, Pipa Rum de Goa launched a spiced rum by Nao Spirits. The name “Pipa,” is derived from the Portuguese word for barrel. Made in Goa from jaggery spirit, after distilling it’s then matured for a year in Ruby Port Wine casks imported from Portugal. As an ode to the three main spices that first drew Portuguese explorers to the Malabar Coast, it’s infused with a delicate blend of black pepper, cinnamon, and clove to finish. Pipa Rum is a limited release and exclusively launched in Goa with plans for a broader market presence next year.
Find out more on Nao Spirits
Karnataka
On the southwest is a hilly coastline along the Arabian Sea which enjoys a tropical climate perfect for sugarcane. Pattadakal UNESCO World Heritage Site (pictured above) transports you back to the 7th or 8th century and has sugarcane fields nearby. Ugar has a black volcanic soil well suited for sugar cane.
Ron De Ugar
Ron De Ugar is a single estate rum from Ugar Khurd near the winding Krishna river. Produced at Ugar Sugar Works which has been making white crystal sugar since 1939. A distillery was set up in 1962 and Ron De Ugar launched in 2022. The rum uses five kinds of sugarcane for its cane juice rum. The three main expressions are Ron De Ugar Blanco Reserve Single Estate Rum, Classic Mature Handcrafted Rum (a blend of aged 3-5 years), and Spice Reserve Single Estate Rum. Their vision is to be the benchmark for single-estate, sugarcane rum, celebrated for its connection to the land. Their rum is available at the two prestigious clubs in Mumbai; Otters Club, Bandra, and Bombay Presidency Golf Club, Chembur, or 7 Short 1 Long Restaurant in Goa and other select venues in Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Goa.
Find out more on Ron De Ugar
Amrut Distilleries
Amrut Distillery owned by the Jagdale family in Kambipura, Bangalore was established in 1948 and had its 75th anniversary last year. The is They were the first Indian distillery to release a single malt. Amrut Two Indies is a blend of rums distilled and aged at the Amrut distillery in Karnataka, India, and rums sourced from the Caribbean. Old Port rum is made from molasses, after fermentation its pot distilled. The rum is aged in new and used oak barrels and blended before bottling.
Find out more on Amrut Distilleries
Italian bottler Habitation Velier has released a couple of Amrut rums since 2022. Habitation Velier Amrut India Pure Single Rum is Pot distilled made from jaggery in 2015 and aged 7 years at the distillery. Habitation Velier Amrut India Pure Sugar Cane Juice Rum Sugar is a limited-run unaged and high ABV rum released in 2024.
Where To Enjoy Rum in India:
- New Delhi: Bar Rum Bar, The Library, LIV Bar, Sidecar, Lord of the Drinks, The Piano Man Jazz Club.
- Guwahati: Terra Maya
- Kolkatta: AM PM
- Mumbai: Americano, O Pedro – BKC, Bombay Canteen, Papas, Bandra Born, Waikiki.
- Maharashtra: Cobbler and crew, Elephant and Co Kalyani Nagar in Pune.
- Hyderabad: Hodd’s Cocktail Bar, Rü and Kin – Rü.
- Goa: Bar Outrigger, Hideaway in Vagator, Bar De Goa, Izumi Assagao, Miguel’s – Cocktails & Petiscos, Down the Road.
- Bengaluru: Spirit Forward, Levels Pub & Kitchen, Soka, Bobs Bar.
Pro Tip: Goa, with its favourable liquor laws and vibrant bar scene, has become a top destination in India for rum lovers to discover new experiences and local brands. You’ll also notice many excellent places to enjoy rum are in restaurants as well as bars in India – worth noting for your next visit!
India has many vibrant cultural festivals throughout the year to explore. Lohri is celebrated on January 14th in the north of India and the sugarcane harvest is celebrated in the festival.
Special thanks and credit to Arjit Bosman, the man behind Bar Outrigger (pictured above) a brand new rum-focussed bar in Goa, and Countertop India for the valuable insights we have shared on rum in India and its bars.
For insights into shifting consumer rum trends in India, Shabori Das of The Economic Times has written this article: The Economic Times (Paywall)
For more general travel advice on India Tourism
For travel planning use our India Rum Map
Thanks to the brands for contributing to this article, and for permission to use their images. Other image credits to Canva Pro, and user contributions.
