2. Old Port
Amrut Distillery began manufacturing rum and brandy in 1948, which he supplied to army canteens throughout India. Old Port became very popular in the country as it is amongst the best cheap rums and has a dry and fruity palate. Rich in molasses and having bright copper color, it contains hints of flavors of vanilla and butterscotch.
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Alcohol Content: 40% (approx.)
Price: 750ml –INR 260
Flavor Notes: With notes of velvety caramel, deep oak, and a hint of spiced vanilla, creating a symphony of flavors that lingers on the palate.
Aging Process: 6 years
3. Old Monk
The most celebrated rum in India, Old Monk was introduced in 1954 and is a dark strong rum. The rum is dark brown in color and has a slight vanilla robust flavor. It is blended and aged for a minimum of 7 years. The rum is produced in Ghaziabad and without any advertising, it has been the biggest IMFL brand for many years. This rum is sold all over the world and has 6 variants. Until now, the brand has maintained its reputation in the market because of its pocket-friendly prices and same great quality.
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Alcohol Content: 42.8%
Price: 1 litre – INR 1264
Flavor Notes: Rich caramel sweetness intertwined with hints of vanilla and subtle spices, creating a warm and smooth flavor profile with a touch of oak.
Aging Process: 7 years
4. Jolly Roger
Jolly Roger gives an exotic taste in every sip. The rum is blended with original matured Jamaican pot-still rum and natural spices. Having a rich aroma and well-balanced taste, it comes in an elegantly designed family bottle. Made of fermented molasses, you can enjoy this authentic dark rum with your loved ones at very reasonable prices.
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Alcohol Content: 42.8%
Price: 750ml – INR 270
Flavor Notes: Jolly Roger Rum boasts a symphony of flavors, intertwining notes of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of exotic spices, creating a truly indulgent experience for your palate.
Aging Process: 10 years
5. McDowell's No.1
One of the most popular and cheap rum brands in India, McDowell's No.1 is an Indian brand of spirits manufactured by United Spirits Limited (USL). Awarded with many prestigious awards, the brand overtook Bacardi as 'world's best-selling rum brand' in 2015. It was launched in Celebration (Dark) and Caribbean (White) variants in 1990-91 and is sold in 13 countries. This popular rum has a dark color with a different kind of vanilla and caramel flavor.
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Alcohol Content: 42.8%
Price: 1 litre – INR 376
Flavor Notes: Notes of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of exotic spices
Aging Process: 8 years
6. Hercules
Amongst the top budget rum brands in the country, Hercules is mostly sold in the defense segment. It is usually enjoyed with a soft drink and does not leave you with a hangover. It produces both white and dark rum and has 3 variants - Hercules Deluxe Rum (Dark), Hercules XXX Rum (Dark), and Hercules White Rum.
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Alcohol Content: 42.8%
Price: 1 litre - INR 527
Flavor Notes: Hercules Rum, a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on your palate, leaving notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak to savor.
Aging Process: 10 years
7. Angostura
If you wanna enjoy a smooth rum without spending a hefty amount, then Angostura is the one to go for. It has deep flavors of clove, tamarind, and cinnamon. The owners claim that 'the rums are 100% Trinidadian, made in one distillery on one Island'. The aged rums are blended, re-casked, and upon maturity hand-drawn for bottling and are truly smokey and oaky.
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Alcohol Content: 44.7%
Price: 750ml – INR 700 (approx.)
Flavor Notes: Hercules Rum, a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on your palate, leaving notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak to savor.
Aging Process: 10 years
8. Captain Morgan
Named after the 17th-century Welsh privateer of the Caribbean, Sir Henry Morgan, Captain Morgan is a spiced rum which is marketed in India by Diageo. Since 2011, the label has used the slogan 'To Life, Love and Loot'. This rum is distilled from sugarcane and then is aged in oak barrels for up to a year, which adds a golden color and character to it. After that, the flavors and spices are added. A very delicious drink all by itself, it is a great one to go for if you are in a search of the best budget rum.
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Alcohol Content: 42.8%
Price: 750ml – INR 780
Flavor Notes: Hercules Rum, a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on your palate, leaving notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak to savor.
Aging Process: 10 years
9. Bacardi
Bacardi is a family owned spirits company that has more than 200 brands and labels. Founded in 1862, it now has sales in more than 150 countries. Bacardi’s black, open-winged fruit bat logo is world-famous. Don Facundo, the founder, himself invented the logo, which at the time symbolized self-confidence and brotherhood. Bacardi Rum has 3 main flavors and has notes of vanilla. This sweet and fruity rum is amongst the best cheap rums and can be enjoyed by spending just a few bucks.
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Alcohol Content: 42.8%
Price: 1 litre – INR 1300
Flavor Notes: Hercules Rum, a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on your palate, leaving notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak to savor.
Aging Process: 10 years
10. Appleton Estate
Another in the list of best rum brands in India under the budget of ₹2000 is the Appleton Estate. It is the most famous and oldest of all of Jamaica's sugar-cane estates. It makes rich and aromatic rums with cinnamon and butterscotch flavors and is known for its long-aged editions. Appleton's 21 Year Old is a particular favorite of experts and has many more variations. Due to the island’s warm climate, there is a much higher rate of evaporation that led aged Jamaican rums for between 25 and 35 years.
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Alcohol Content: 40%
Price: 700ml – INR 1500 (approx.)
Flavor Notes: Hercules Rum, a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on your palate, leaving notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak to savor.
Aging Process: 10 years
11. Malibu
Malibu is made with Caribbean rum and has a coconut flavor. The owner, Pernod Ricard, calls it a 'flavored rum'. There are many different versions of Malibu rum which are flavored with various tropical fruits such as banana, pineapple, passion fruit, island melon, and mango. Also, there is a mingle with mint, known as Malibu Fresh, tequila known as Malibu Red and a double strength version known as Malibu Black. it is one of the best cheap rums as all of these different variants can be enjoyed at pocket-friendly prices and will give you satisfaction like no other.
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Alcohol Content: 21%
Price: 750ml – INR 1650
Flavor Notes: Hercules Rum, a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on your palate, leaving notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak to savor.
Aging Process: 10 years
12. Barcelo
We are ending this list of best rum brands in India under the budget of ₹2000 with Barcelo, which is the 4th largest exporter of rum in the world. Founded in 1930, Barcelo is the name and brand of different types of rums from the Dominican Republic and has its plant and distillery in San Pedro de Macorís. The flavors are strong, sweet and spicy with a hint of caramel. It has 8 variants and is sold in over 50 countries.
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Alcohol Content: 38%
Price: 750ml – INR 2000 (approx.)
Flavor Notes: Hercules Rum, a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on your palate, leaving notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak to savor.
Aging Process: 10 years
Rum has something to offer for any kind of palate and is an integral part of every drinking occasion. This list of rum bands in India under a budget of Rs. 2000 will help you to choose whenever you are struggling with money. These are equally delicious and satisfying as any high-end rum would be.
FAQ's
Q: Why is rum dark?
A: Rum picks up color from time spent in wooden barrels. Mostly it’s due to the chemistry of spirit interacting with the wood and the longer this interaction happens, the darker the color becomes.
Q: What are the health benefits of Rum?
A: Lowers blood pressure and lowers the chances of heart diseases.
Q: Is rum gluten free?
A: Rum can be produced only from fermenting sugarcane juice which is a syrup from molasses or from sugar itself. So, rum must be gluten free as there is no grain involved.
Q: Can rum go bad?
A: Rum does not expire or spoil, but its flavor and quality can degrade over time, especially if the bottle is not properly sealed or stored.
Q: What countries are known for producing high-quality rum?
A: Countries like Jamaica, Barbados, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic are renowned for producing high-quality rum, each with its unique flavor profiles.
Q: Can rum be used in cooking?
A: Yes, rum is often used in cooking and baking to enhance the flavor of desserts, sauces, and marinades.