While we are sure you have had countless drinks of our all-time favourite Old Monk and spent a pretty penny on Duty Free, bringing in Glens and Chivas, it’s time to broaden your horizon. For India is home to many a brand of rums and whiskies, each unique, each with their own loyalists and each oh-so-delicious. Here are our top picks of made-in-India Rums and Whiskies that deserve a place in your bar.
THE RUMS
Gladius
Aged for 10 years, this rum is smooth with fruity and woody notes. With a lingering caramel-y and buttery aftertaste, if you like your drinks on the sweeter side, this is one rum that you must try.
Price: INR 1390
Amrut
Amrut offers two variations of its rum – Old Port and Two Indies. If you love a sweet dry finish, then the Two Indies is your pick. However, if you prefer a kick of spice, then the Old Port with nutmeg and ginger is perfect for a chilly night.
Price: INR 1700 for Two Indies & INR 1050 for Old Port
Maka Zai
Maka Zai in Konkani translates to “I want” and we bet one drink of this rum will leave you wanting for more. Available in two options white and gold, we are in love with both. While the white is sweet and floral, the gold is bold and with hints of spice. The spirit is best enjoyed in a Mai Tai according to its creator, Kasturi Banerjee.
Price: INR 1995 for white rum & INR 2595 for the gold rum
Cabo
Made in Goa, this rum will remind you of the beach with its unique coconut flavour. White coloured, this is the perfect rum to make a delicious Pina Colada, but it tastes just as good over crushed ice with cola and lime. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle the next time you’re in Goa.
Price: INR 2050
Segredo Aldeia
Reminiscent of Goa’s Portuguese roots, this rum aims to relay Goa’s vibrant history one sip at a time. Their offering comes in two variants – A herby and peachy white rum and a dark rum with hints of vanilla and chocolate.
Price: INR 2800 for the white rum INR 3050 for the dark rum
THE WHISKIES
Solan No.1
A rare find, named after Solan in Himachal Pradesh, this whisky relies on word-of-mouth advertising. A warm honey coloured single malt whisky, Solan No.1, is brewed at the foothills of the Himalayas, in one of the country’s oldest distilleries. Make sure to try it next time you visit the mountains and perhaps even bring back a bottle or two.
Price: INR 890
Indri
Distilled near the Yamuna basin in India, Indri is one of India’s few triple cask matured whiskies. Made with six row barley, indigenous to Rajasthan, Indri makes for a smooth warm drink with a nutty and citrusy after taste that we love.
Price: INR 3200
Amrut Fusion Single Malt
Coming out of Bengaluru, this whisky uses a select blend of Indian and Scottish barley. Rich, oaky, sweet, and citrusy all at once, the Amrut fusion stands true to its name and does a good job at it too.
Price: INR 5200
Rampur Select Single Malt
This whiskey is like a winter holiday in a bottle. With notes of toffee, cinnamon, dried fruits, vanilla and honey, the Rampur Select Single Malt is as perfect for a celebration, as it is for a quite laid-back evening.
Price: INR 5700
Now that you have this list, we suggest ticking it off one bottle at a time. Whether you prefer to enjoy them neat or mixed in a cocktail, a good time is guaranteed!