Rum, a perennial favourite of many, is making a significant impact at a time when gin is enjoying its moment. Interesting enough, the sweet yet robust spirit has been enjoyed for many years by everybody in the traditional Rum `N` Coke, which even forced restaurants to put it on their menu. It has been popularised as dark rum, but is also available in a white variation. But that is changing. To tantalise their taste buds with a variety of flavours, people are stepping outside of the conventional selections.

Every year, World Rum Day is celebrated on July 8 to celebrate the spirit. With monsoon here, hardly anyone sticks to one day to celebrate rum? When one talks about the popularity of rum in India, Old Monk has always been a favourite; for most loyalists, it is a symbol of pride, even though several variants have been made over the years, not only because of flavour but also because of its affordability. However, the rum market is experiencing a change. It is one that has occurred over the last three years as homegrown brands have sprouted in different parts of the country including Goa and Chandigarh, with some of them being Maka Zai, Rock Paper Rum, Earth Rum and Camikara, among others. They are aiming to cater to the evolved palate of drinkers, not only at home, but also in restaurants.