Everything You Need to Know About Bella: India’s First Jaggery Rum
Bella, the world’s first single rum distilled and matured entirely from jaggery, has been launched by Amrut Distilleries, a leader in the spirits industry. This unique rum is made from nutrient-rich jaggery sourced from the Sahyadri range and Mandya and has been aged for six years in ex-bourbon barrels, benefiting from the tropical climate.
The creation of Bella pays homage to Neelkanta Rao Jagdale, affectionately known as the Father of Indian Single Malt, whose vision and dedication to Indian heritage inspired its development. Amrut has made significant strides in the whisky world, and with Bella, the brand continues to innovate. In 2012, the Karnataka Excise Department granted Amrut the first-ever license in India to distill jaggery single rum, paving the way for this groundbreaking product.
Rakshit N. Jagdale, Managing Director of Amrut Distilleries, expressed pride in realizing his father’s vision on the company’s Founder’s Day. Bella was softly launched earlier this year and had its global unveiling at the Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel and Convention Centre.
Sanjay Gupta, the hotel’s General Manager, highlighted the importance of partnering with brands that reflect India’s cultural legacy, calling the launch of Bella a significant event in the spirits industry.
While India has a long history of rum production, most have traditionally been made from molasses. Amrut previously ventured into this territory with Two Indies Rum, which blended Indian jaggery with Caribbean molasses. Bella takes this innovation further by celebrating the historical significance of jaggery, a natural sweetener deeply rooted in Indian culture.
Jaggery has been produced in India since ancient times, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization, and remains a beloved ingredient in many households. The name “Bella,” meaning jaggery in Kannada, reflects the distillery’s commitment to its local roots.
With its launch, Bella not only introduces a distinct type of rum but also marks the emergence of a new category: Premium Indian Rums. Amrut is dedicated to honoring its heritage while instilling pride in both Indian and global audiences.
