Craft rum revolution: India’s booming spirits scene welcomes a wave of artisanal offerings

Back in early 2021, Kasturi Banerjee’s Maka Zai was the only craft rum on retail shelves. Three years down the line, spirits enthusiasts in India can choose from over ten different rums.

Five of these have been launched in the last six months, and that begs the question: is craft rum finally taking off in India? Banerjee thinks it is certainly gaining altitude. “Changing perceptions about rum being a ‘man’s drink’ or a winter drink is a work in progress, but, on the whole, there is a far greater acceptance of it. I find a lot more rum cocktails on bar menus now,” she says.

The Goa-based former banker, who runs Stilldistilling Spirits out of Goa, sees new and imminent launches by significant players such as Amrut Distilleries, Piccadilly Distilleries, and Nao Spirits as the biggest validation of the category’s potential.

Amrut Distilleries, which already has the Two Indies rum in its portfolio, is expected to launch two premium rums this year, while Nao Spirits, which ignited the gin craze in India with Greater Than, is just out with their jaggery rum called Pipa.