Contessa is produced by Radico Khaitan in Rampur — the same company that makes the excellent Rampur single malt whisky. It has a small but devoted following among Indian rum enthusiasts who appreciate the quality that comes from Radico's production expertise. Particularly popular in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.
Tasting Notes
Colour & Appearance
Dark mahogany
Nose & Aroma
Molasses, vanilla, caramel and some dried fruit
Palate & Taste
Medium bodied with molasses, caramel, vanilla and a little dried fruit. Better than most would expect from a budget Indian rum
Finish
Medium length with caramel and vanilla. More satisfying than the price suggests
History & Background
Production & Maturation
Production Method
Made from molasses at the Rampur distillery. Column still distillation.
Aging & Maturation
Aged in used oak casks at the Rampur facility.
Distillery
Radico Khaitan
Founded
1970
Contessa Rum Price Guide 2026
Prices are indicative and may vary by retailer, store, and current stock.
Last verified: July 2026.
India Prices
Telangana
₹450
Uttar Pradesh
₹390
Haryana
₹360
Kerala
₹570
Tamil Nadu
₹550
Karnataka
₹480
Goa
₹340
Mumbai
₹400
Delhi
₹400
About These Prices
- Prices are indicative, not quotations. They are compiled from publicly available retail listings and state excise price lists, and are provided for reference only.
- Alcohol pricing in India is set state by state. Excise duty, VAT and retail margins differ in every state and union territory, so the same bottle can vary by 40% or more between Goa and Kerala. Always check the price where you are buying.
- Prices change without notice. State excise policies are typically revised annually, and retailers may price above or below the listed MRP depending on stock and demand. The figures above were last reviewed in July 2026.
- We do not sell alcohol. The Spirit Atlas is an independent reference site. We take no orders, hold no stock, and have no commercial relationship with the distilleries or retailers documented here. Nothing on this page is an offer to sell.
- Tasting notes and ratings are editorial opinion. They reflect the reviewer's assessment and are not endorsed by the producer.
- For readers of legal drinking age. The legal drinking age in India varies by state, from 18 to 25. Please respect your local law and drink responsibly.
Spotted a price that looks wrong? Tell us and we will re-check it.
Cocktail Recipes with Contessa Rum
Contessa Rum Punch
Easy
Ingredients
·
60ml Contessa Rum
·
60ml fresh orange juice
·
30ml pineapple juice
·
15ml grenadine
·
Dash of Angostura bitters
Method
1. Build in a highball glass over ice.
2. Pour Contessa Rum first, then fruit juices, then grenadine.
3. Add a dash of bitters.
4. Stir gently and garnish with a pineapple slice.
Garnish
Pineapple slice and cherry
🥂 Serve in: Highball
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Contessa rum and who makes it?
Contessa rum is produced by Radico Khaitan at their Rampur distillery in Uttar Pradesh — the same company that makes the celebrated Rampur Single Malt whisky. It is a dark rum with a loyal following among UP and Delhi drinkers who appreciate the quality that comes from Radico is production expertise. At Rs 460 in Delhi it is one of the most affordable genuine dark rums available anywhere in India.
Contessa rum vs Old Monk — which is better value?
Old Monk at Rs 580 and Contessa at Rs 460 are both budget dark rums but Old Monk has the significant advantage of seven year ageing which gives it superior complexity. Contessa is lighter and simpler but the Rs 120 price difference in Delhi means you get noticeably more character for a relatively small extra spend with Old Monk. For cocktail mixing, Contessa is perfectly adequate. For drinking with any attention, Old Monk is worth the premium.
Is Contessa rum available outside Uttar Pradesh?
Contessa has historically been strongest in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi where Radico Khaitan has deep roots. Distribution in other states is present but less consistent than major national brands like Old Monk or McDowell is. Check local premium liquor retailers for availability in your state.
What does Contessa rum taste like?
Contessa has a medium-bodied dark rum character — molasses sweetness, caramel, vanilla and some dried fruit that suggests moderate oak ageing. It is more interesting than the most basic Indian rums and delivers above its price point. Served over ice with a good cola it is a genuinely enjoyable budget rum.
Is Contessa rum good for gifting?
Contessa rum is not typically considered a gifting rum due to its budget positioning. For a meaningful rum gift in India, Maka Zai at Rs 2400 is a far more impressive choice. For whisky gifting, Amrut Fusion or Indri Trini make excellent and memorable presents for spirit enthusiasts.
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About the Author
Shivam Sharma
I am the founder and editor of The Spirit Atlas. With a deep appreciation for fine spirits, I built this platform to be the most helpful and honest spirits guide for Indian readers — covering everything from Scotch and Indian single malts to rum, gin and tequila, along with prices across every major Indian state. My goal is simple: to make the world of spirits a little more approachable for everyone.
Website
Last updated:
July 2026
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Quick Facts
Name
Contessa Rum
Category
Rum
Type
Dark Rum
Country
India
Region
Rampur, Uttar Pradesh
Distillery
Radico Khaitan
ABV
42.80%
Rating
7.0/10
Founded
1970
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