Asian Rums you should try, and learn more about them
Today, we’re embarking on a tour beyond the Caribbean to explore the exciting world of Asian rums.
From the verdant sugarcane plantations of Thailand to the innovative distilleries of Japan, Asian rum offers a treasure trove of unique flavors and unexpected twists on this classic spirit.
Get ready to discover a whole new wave of rum experiences. Let’s get it started!
If you want to immerse in this quick journey, and if you like, play this playlist while reading
Camikara Rum: A Rum Like No Other (Greetings from India)
There is a new premium spirit taking center stage in India: Camikara is India’s first and only pure sugarcane rum, a spirit that shatters expectations and redefines the category altogether.
Camikara, which translates to “Liquid Gold” in Sanskrit, is a declaration of quality and a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship. Unlike traditional rums made from molasses, Camikara starts its journey at the very source: the sugarcane itself.
This dedication to purity ensures that every sip is a testament to the meticulous artistry involved in crafting rum from fresh sugarcane juice.
The result? “A rum like no other”, one that boasts a diverse flavor profile thanks to its complexity and depth.
Furthermore, Camikara represents a cultural revolution, aiming to challenge the dominance of whisky in the Indian market, a legacy of colonial influence.
Camikara’s Rum Expressions
Camikara 3 Years Old
Crafted from pure sugarcane juice, Camikara 3 Years Old is a premium rum aged for 3 years in American Oak Barrels that evokes a complex and well-balanced taste.
This meticulously produced spirit boasts a unique flavor profile that challenges traditional rum expectations.
- Nose: natural sugarcane sweetness with subtle hints of funk and vegetal notes. Fruity aromas of melon mingle with gentle honey and vanilla.
- Palate a harmonious interplay between the oak and the sugarcane juice spirit.
- Finish: A rounded sweetness lingers on the palate, accompanied by a subtle smokiness.
Camikara 8 Years Old
Camikara embodies the essence of purity. This 100% natural rum boasts no added flavors, colors, spices, or sweeteners.
This dedication to natural ingredients allows the true character of the sugarcane juice to take center stage.
Additionally, Camikara undergoes an extensive 8-year aging process. This meticulous approach results in a remarkable rum that transcends expectations.
- Nose: Sweetish fruity with raisins & dates. Hints of vegetal & funky wet leather notes. Soft spice, melons & sweetish vanilla.
- Palate: Fruity, licorice, leathery. A wee bit of saltiness with earthy elements. Soft gentle wood spice.
- Finish: Fruit forward with a dash of spice & gentle smoke of barrel char. Oak lactones & vanilla.
Camikara 12 Years Old
Camikara honors the legacy of Indian sugarcane farmers, reviving a rum recipe steeped in tradition.
This rediscovered spirit underwent a remarkable 12-year aging process, where a significant portion (94%) was lost to evaporation. The remaining 6% represents a precious and limited expression, a testament to time and craftsmanship.
- Nose: Honey, ginger, toffee, raisins, prunes & leather. A deeper whiff reveals the wood.
- Palate: The first sip brings a marriage of honey, vanilla, and bitter chocolate. Further savoring reveals ripe bananas, orange peel, dark chocolate, and charred wood.
- Finish: a mouthful of delicious fruit cake.
Camikara is a brand that captures the essence of the nation’s rich heritage in a truly unparalleled rum, offering a luxurious and flavorful experience.
Minoki (Greetings from Japan)
Legend has it that the first emperor of Japan descended from an ocean princess-dragon. Inspired by this tale, Minoki was born, a brand whose hallmark lies in the originality of both flavors and the production process of each bottle of rum, characterized by aging in Mizunara Casks and filtering through Japanese corals.
Each sip brings a captivating aroma of Japanese tropical fruits and a delightful finish of spiced vanilla.
Diving into sustainability
Minoki goes beyond crafting exceptional rum. As their mission, Minoki’s team are deeply committed to environmental responsibility.
Recognizing the vital role coral reefs play in marine ecosystems, Minoki donates a portion of their earnings to support coral reef protection and restoration efforts worldwide.
Minoki’s Rum Expressions
Minoki Mizunara Cask Finished
This rum blends the finest Japanese and Pacific rums before a transformative finish in Mizunara oak casks, the world’s first for rum. Expect a captivating aroma of Japanese tropical fruits and a delightful spiced vanilla finish.
Minoki Yoshino Sugi Cask Finished, 8 years old (Limited Edition)
This 8-year-old rum undergoes a final touch of elegance in Yoshino Sugi casks, crafted from Japanese cedar. The result is a unique blend with hints of cedar on the nose and a green tea finish.
Minoki Sakura Cask Finished, 12 years old (Limited Edition)
This exceptional rum boasts 12 years of aging before a final flourish in Sakura casks, made from Japanese cherry trees.
The aroma evokes delicate Sakura blossoms, while the finish offers a zesty touch of berries. Minoki Sakura Cask is yet another rum pioneering new territory.
More than just a rum, Minoki is a story of innovation, quality, and a deep respect for our planet.
Samai (Greeting from Cambodia)
Cambodia’s lush landscapes boast a wealth of natural resources, including abundant top-quality sugarcane producing the thick caramel molasses that create the base of all Samai rums.
In 2014, a passionate team, led by Diego Wilkins, Antonio López De Haro, Daniel Pacheco, along Ms. Moang Darachampich, embarked on a pioneering mission. They envisioned marrying the rich tradition of Latin rum production with Asian roots, creating Cambodia’s first premium rum brand.
“To fall in love with a Rum, you must fall in love with its country”
Antonio Lopez de Haro
Their vision extended beyond the rum itself. The founders sought a name that embodied the spirit of a new generation, a generation passionate and entrepreneurial, striving for a brighter future for Cambodia. The Khmer word “Samai” resonated perfectly. Meaning “modern,” “new generation,” and “look towards the future,” so Samai captured the essence of this pioneering venture.
This Asian brand represents the first generation of Cambodian rums, crafted using high-quality local ingredients, innovation, and a shared passion for handcrafted spirits.
Samai’s Rum Expressions, an Asian experience
The Samai Rum Collection boasts four handcrafted expressions, each one is a testament to the brand’s dedication to quality and innovation.
SAMAI White Rum
Made from the finest Cambodian molasses, Samai White Rum begins its journey in traditional copper pot stills and a column still. This dual distillation process lays the groundwork for a complex and flavorful spirit.
Following distillation, the rum undergoes aging for up to two years in ex-bourbon barrels. This aging process imparts a touch of maturity and infuses the rum with subtle notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
However, Samai White Rum isn’t your typical aged rum. To achieve a clear appearance while preserving the rum’s rich flavor profile, Samai employs a unique filtration process using activated charcoal. This meticulous technique allows the rum’s natural notes to shine through, resulting in a well-balanced spirit perfect for sipping and mixing.
- Nose: Greets you with coconut, ripe bananas, and dried fruit aromas.
- Palate: Natural fruit flavors, cocoa, and citrus.
- Finish: Natural notes of dried fruit candies and nuts, with a delicate mid-floral finish
SAMAI Gold Rum
Samai Gold Rum is a complex and award-winning spirit that captures the essence of Cambodia.
This rum stands out for its unique flavor profile, reflecting the main essence of the Cambodian terroir land, climate, and traditional practices that influence its creation.
Samai Gold Rum is crafted using a meticulous aging process. The rum ages between two and four years in a combination of special French and American oak barrels, ex-bourbon casks, and sherry casks. A fusion that results in a complex and full-bodied spirit.
- Nose: Natural sweet notes of vanilla and oak
- Palate: Natural hints of oak, caramelized honey, and dark chocolate
- Finish: Long finish with sweet notes of honey
SAMAI Kampot Pepper Rum
Innovation and a commitment to showcasing Cambodian ingredients are at the heart of Samai Rum. Their Samai Kampot Pepper Rum is a testament to this spirit, offering a unique and delightful expression.
This groundbreaking rum is a first-of-its-kind creation, meticulously crafted by blending aromatic red Kampot pepper with carefully aged rum. The world-renowned Kampot pepper, known for its complex flavor profile and subtle heat, adds a surprising yet delightful kick to the rum.
- Nose: Crispy sweet aroma of fresh Kampot pepper.
- Palate: A well-balanced spicy and sweet overtone, with natural notes of guava and eucalyptus.
- Finish: The characteristic tanginess of the red Kampot pepper remains on the palate, while the sweetness builds up for a round finish.
SAMAI Px Rum Liqueur
The Samai Rum Collection takes a captivating turn with the introduction of Samai PX Rum Liqueur. This Asian expression embodies a unique cultural fusion, marrying Cambodia’s essence with the rich heritage of Spain.
Originally released as a limited-edition masterpiece, Samai PX Rum Liqueur proved so popular it has become a permanent member of the Samai family.
The secret to its allure lies in the meticulous aging process. Aged rum from Cambodia undergoes a transformative journey within specially selected Pedro Ximenez barrels, sourced directly from Spain.
This unique aging method infuses the Cambodian rum with a whole ‘dimension of taste. The result is an elegant blend that showcases Samai’s signature style while venturing into exciting new flavor territory.
- Nose: Delicate notes of oak, raisins, and cherries
- Palate: Silky, with beautiful notes of plums, figs, and raisins
- Finish: A long finish of chocolate, coffee, and toffee
Enjoy Samai’s Experience
Every Thursday Night, Samai Distillery turns into a Night Bar, where you can enjoy its cocktails. Also, you can request a tour throughout the distillery!
Samai is a brand that embodies Cambodia’s potential and what it can share with the world.
Shakara Rum (Greetings from Thailand)
SHAKARA, named after the Sanskrit word for sugar, honors Thailand’s rich sugarcane heritage dating back to the Neolithic era. This rum marks a dynamic entry point for aged rums from this hidden gem of a terroir.
Hailing from Nakhon Pathom, a fertile region known for its rum-enhancing tropical climate, SHAKARA undergoes a lengthy 12-year aging process. Ex-Bourbon casks and Thailand’s high temperatures (with humidity between 60-80%) concentrate the rum’s flavors, resulting in a deep and rich palate.
This meticulously crafted rum boasts a long, complex finish, a testament to the high “angel’s share” typical of tropical aging.
What can you find in each bottle?
- Nose: nutty aromas of almonds and walnuts appear alongside elegant fragrances of honey and toffee. Allowed to breathe, lovely apricot notes highlight its character.
- Palate: The dynamic attack wavers between flavors of cane sugar, tropical fruits of mango, papaya, and fresh figs. Salted butter caramel shines with the perfectly integrated wood.
- Finish: Long and silky. The spicy finish quickly develops notes of fresh vanilla bean and mahogany wood. The finish ends with floral tones of evening jasmine, hyacinth, and lingering incense.
Bottled at 45.7% ABV with no artificial additives, SHAKARA is a pure expression of Thailand’s rum-making potential.
Tanduay (Greetings from the Philippines)
Born in the heart of the Philippines in 1854, Tanduay Asian Rum boasts a unique heritage. Aged in charred oak barrels, these spirits capture the essence of the mysterious East with its silky smoothness and elegant flavor.
A well-kept secret for generations, Tanduay has quietly risen to become one of the world’s most decorated spirits and the 7th largest international spirit brand (as of 2011). Their dedication to quality and consistency reflects the Filipino values of reliability and craftsmanship.
Beyond the rum itself, Tanduay embodies the spirit of the Philippines. This archipelago nation, rich in culture and stories, is a key ingredient in the unique character of Tanduay Asian Rum.
Tanduays Sip Experience
Tanduays offers to the market seventeen Rum Expressions, from white rum to flavored. Get to know three of this special collection:
Tanduay Dark Rum
Tanduay Dark Rum embodies the essence of the brand’s rich heritage. Described as a harmonious blend of tropical flavors and aged oak, this rum has earned its place as the most popular golden rum in the Pacific. Each sip is a testament to Tanduay’s dedication to crafting a unique and flavorful spirit.
- Taste: butterscotch, frozen custard, caramel apple, cola
- Nose: amaretti cookies
- Finish: smooth caramel, tropical fruits finish
Tanduay Asian Rum Gold
Tanduay Gold Rum elevates the brand’s expertise in dark rum focusing on sophistication and complexity. Crafted from their heritage sugarcane, this silky smooth spirit is aged up to 7 years in ex-bourbon barrels.
The result? A rum with a boasting, pure, and distinctive taste profile. Enjoy it neat to fully appreciate its nuances, or use it as a base for your favorite cocktails.
- Taste: Good balance of alcohol level & sweetness. Expressive flavors of vanilla, tropical fruit, coconut, and nutmeg.
- Nose: Refined and elegant. Presence of mature honey, almond, caramel, toasted oak, orange peels, and vanilla.
- Finish: Persistent in harmony. The caramel flavor persists on the finish, with vanilla and wooden notes.
Tanduay Silver Rum
Tanduay Silver Rum offers a lighter alternative within the brand’s portfolio. This silky smooth spirit is crafted using their heritage Asian sugarcane and undergoes moderate filtration, resulting in a light straw appearance.
Despite its unaged look, Tanduay Silver Rum boasts surprising complexity. Aged up to 5 years in ex-bourbon barrels, it offers a taste profile of green ripe fruits with hints of burnt sugar, mandarin, and vanilla. This pure and distinctive rum is perfect for sipping neat, showcasing its delicate flavors, yet remains well-balanced for mixing in classic cocktails.
- Nose: Good intensity of mandarin and grapefruit peel with toasted notes, coconut and vanilla background.
- Taste: A harmony of cream soda with flavors of citrus fruits.
- Finish: Dry yet sweet with warm persistence.
Get to know all Tanduay Rum Collection here!
If you want to dive into the Tanduay experience, watch this video!
As you may have noticed, whether due to its innovation, authenticity, and passion, Asia is rising as one of the most important territories within the industry. Opening up space to learn more about its creations and vision can open up a world of new flavor experiences.
If you want to continue exploring new spirits and experiences like these, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter.
