RUMmy Rainy Days

Rum, in yon days of old was considered as a pirates' drink. Known as the Devil's drink as it warms you up, trickling down the throat, today it is a popular alcoholic beverage that is there on almost everyone's bar shelves. International Rum brands have elevated the experience of the spirit and the focus is now on new aromas, flavour profiles and a range of interesting distillation methods. From the cocktail-ready white Rums to the elegantly sippable best dark Rums, today the drink has become a favourite of not only gents but also ladies. Its popularity can be gauged from the fact that two Rum days - "World Rum Day" and "National Rum Day" - are celebrated in July and August, respectively. Ashok Malkani examines various aspects of this beverage, which is becoming the most desired drink during the rainy season.

A fter a brief lull there have been heavy rains in Mumbai and other parts of the country. This is the time when you would like to warm your innards with something that trickles down your throat smoothly. And an alcoholic beverage is what one craves for at this dissolute time. While Whisky may be the name that comes to your mind when one talks of alcobev, however the beverage that is now becoming extremely popular is Rum. During the rainy season, Rum warms the very depths of your body and spirit. Rum has become one of the most popular drinks all over the globe. Washington-based bar legend, Todd Thrasher, describes Rum and the cocktails that he serves as “Vacation in a glass.” He avers, “The Rum category as a whole benefits from the feeling of escapism. And after a year of this pandemic, just about everyone needs a vacation, or at least a good cocktail.”

Rum connoisseurs most certainly believe that Rum, with its rich and smooth texture, sweet flavour and unique taste, is the best alcoholic beverage of the rainy season.

Ms. Pushpanjali Banerji, Brand Director, Kyndal Group, says, “Rum has been cherished in India for a long time. It is a staple in almost every household bar collection as it caters to every mood. Traditionally, Rum’s popularity can be credited to the military and CSD canteens.”

Rum, which was originally a sailor’s drink has become the preferred drink of the general public.

Arindam Sarkhel, F&B Manager, Grand Mercure Mysore says, “We all know that Rum was given to sailors as ration however it has become very popular with the general public because of the price point. While Rum drinker prefers to drink straight up, it has become a key element in cocktails which are very popular during monsoons.”