Mazal Rum wins Gold at European Spirits Challenge

In a landmark achievement for Indian spirits, Makabi-Mazal Rum & Spice has clinched the coveted Gold Medal at the European Spirits Challenge 2025, making it the only Indian rum to earn top honours at one of the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions.

Held annually in London, the European Spirits Challenge is renowned for its uncompromising Triple Blind Tasting Method, judged by leading connoisseurs and industry veterans. Competing against a global lineup of elite brands, Mazal emerged as a standout — a triumph that not only elevates Indian rum onto the global stage but also redefines the possibilities for premium spirits from the subcontinent.

“The Gold Medal from the European Spirits Challenge 2025 marks a defining chapter in our pursuit of perfection,” stated Mario Sequeira, Managing Partner of Springfields (India) Distilleries, which produced the rum under Tonia Group. “It proves to the world that high quality Indian rum just like its single malts has found for itself a distinct place on the world stage. The rum infused with spices is a profound validation of the meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering dedication that defines Mazal. This accolade fuels our commitment to creating spirits that transcend expectations.”

Born on the Konkan coast —known for its lush landscapes and spice-scented breeze — Mazal Spiced Rum is steeped in history and heritage. Its origins trace back to Dr. Antonio Sequeira, founder of the Tonia Group and an early pioneer in India’s pharmaceutical and distillation ventures. In the 1940s, while working with herbs and botanicals, Dr. Sequeira began crafting a unique spiced elixir inspired by the region’s centuries-old masala traditions.

The result is Mazal — named after the word “fortune” — a bold and aromatic spirit that blends Goan molasses with a proprietary mix of Indian spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, peppercorn, ginger, and a touch of cashew apple. This results in a warm, complex, and unforgettable flavour profile that speaks of both legacy and luxury.

Whether sipped neat, savoured under the coastal moonlight, or mixed into a contemporary cocktail, Makabi-Mazal is a tribute to the art of blending and to India’s heritage.