Top 10 Rum Brands Under Rs.1000 in India (2025 Edition)

Are you searching for a flavorful yet budget-friendly rum experience? Whether you want to sip it solo, mix it into your favorite cocktails, or add a dash to your cooking, rum is one of the most versatile and widely enjoyed spirits. The best part? You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a quality bottle. In this guide, we dive into the Top 10 Rum Brands Under Rs.1000 in India for 2025, combining affordability with great taste.

This handpicked list focuses on taste, heritage, alcohol percentage, and value for money—and yes, all under that magical price tag of Rs.1000.

1. Old Monk XXX Rum

Old Monk Price: Rs.550 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 42.8% ABV

Old Monk needs no introduction. It's the cult favorite and perhaps the most iconic Indian rum. Aged between 7 to 12 years, this dark rum offers warm, rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and chocolate. Even though it has lost its top commercial spot over the years, it remains a beloved choice across generations.

Its smooth, slightly slushy finish and robust profile make it perfect for sipping straight or mixing into a rich rum cocktail. Given its taste and heritage, it's arguably the best rum under 1000 available today.

2. Bacardi Superior White Rum

Bacardi Rum Price: Rs.1045 (often available under Rs.1000 with discounts)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV

One of the best white rums for cocktails is Bacardi Superior. It is manufactured with floral and fruity notes and aged in American white oak barrels to offer a smoother buttery feel with light mercurial punch.

The bottle is slightly snubbed at just over Rs.1000 on MRP but can commonly be found at discounted rates below that. Perfect for Mojitos, Daiquiris, and summer drinks of all sorts, Bacardi is one of the largest rum brands in the world and much cherished in India.

3. McDowell’s No.1 Celebration Rum

Price: Rs.520 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 42.8% ABV

A product of United Spirits, McDowell's No.1 Celebration Rum marks one of the best-sellers-not just in India but all across the globe. Markets aside, the price makes it a favorite for any mass celebration.

This amber-colored rum is aged in oak barrels, thus imparting enormous depth of flavor with some traces of spices and woodiness. It’s an ideal rum for cocktails and is perfect for festive occasions, making it one of the best rum brands in India under Rs.1000.

4. Old Port Deluxe Rum

Price: Rs.510 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 42.8% ABV

Crafted in Bangalore using 100% Indian cane sugar, Old Port Deluxe delivers notes of peanut brittle, pistachios, and vanilla with an overlay of butterscotch and caramel. It’s one of the smoothest and most underrated dark rums in the market today.

The flavor complexity and indigenous roots make it a worthy addition to our list of top 10 rum brands under Rs.1000.

5. Golden Grape Deluxe Old Monk White Rum

Price: Rs.820 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 42.8% ABV

This unique white rum from Mohan Meakin, the creators of Old Monk, blends fruity and spicy flavors with a clean finish. Expect hints of grapefruit, orange, coconut, and even subtle pepper and clove notes.

A stellar choice for cocktail lovers, this variant combines tradition with innovation—and remains one of the best rum in India for under Rs.1000.

6. Appleton 18 Year Old (Small Bottle)

Price: Rs.899 for 750ml (often sold in smaller bottles under 1k)
Alcohol Content: ~43% ABV

Appleton, originated from Jamaica, is one of the most well-known and respected names in the rum industry. The 18-year aged rum is dark and rich with claims of banana, honey, and molasses. 

Though the original bottle may be priced way above Rs.1000, smaller variants are in your budget range. This needs to be experienced if you cannot compromise on international quality.

7. Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva

Price: Rs.699 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV

Another international entry, this Venezuelan dark rum has won over 20 global awards. Aged for 12 years, it offers a dessert-like profile with flavors of cinnamon, chocolate, and orange.

For those who enjoy a sweeter and fuller-bodied rum, Diplomatico offers an unforgettable experience, easily earning its place among the best rum under 1000.

8. Contessa Rum

Price: Rs.750 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 42.8% ABV

This remains a favourite in various Indian army canteens where it is stocked and sold. It is distilled from sugarcane and matured in oak wood barrels. 

There are subtle notes of raisins, cocoa, and vanilla.Produced by Radico Khaitan, the rum enjoys its share of patronage and offers a consistent quality that is value for money.

9. Havana Club Anejo Blanco

Price: Rs.999 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV

Havana Club delivers a Cuban touch to your home bar. This light rum is crisp, refreshing, and ideal for cocktails. Whether you sip it neat or mix it, the clean finish and tropical notes will leave you impressed.

At just under Rs.1000, this brand is a strong contender among rum brands that blend affordability and sophistication.

10. 8 PM Bermuda Rum

Price: Rs.510 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 42.8% ABV

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing option for parties, 8 PM Bermuda Rum is an excellent choice. With sweet and fruity notes aged in oak barrels, it has a warm Caribbean feel.

It may not have the cult following of Old Monk, but it’s fast becoming a favorite among budget-conscious rum lovers.

Read also: Top 5 Best Whiskies Under Rs.2000 in India: Affordable Yet Flavorful Bottles

How to Choose the Best Rum Under 1000?

When choosing a rum under Rs.1000, consider the following:

• Alcohol Percentage: Most rums on this list hover around 40-42.8%, the standard for strong yet smooth blends.
• Taste Profile: Choose between spiced, sweet, dark, or white rums depending on your preference.
• Purpose: Some rums are better for cocktails, while others are meant for neat sipping.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right rum doesn’t have to be expensive. As you can see, India offers a vibrant selection of affordable yet high-quality rums that satisfy both taste and budget. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious beginner, these top 10 rum brands under Rs.1000 promise to deliver value, taste, and a great experience.

So the next time you're at the liquor store, don’t just go by the brand name. Refer to this guide and pick a rum that best suits your taste, mood, and pocket.

Cheers to a good time without overspending!