SummaryRecently, there has been growing interest in intentionally incorporating fermentation starters into the traditional brewing process. Our study examined the impact of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus rhamnosus on the flavour profiles of sweet fermented glutinous rice (SFGR). Saccharomyces cerevisiae obviously increased the ethanol content, whereas Lactobacillus rhamnosus notably raised the total acidity. Lactic acid became the dominant organic acid after the addition of Lactobacillus rhamnosus. The volatiles were analysed using electronic nose (E‐nose) and gas chromatography‐ion mobility spectrometry (GC‐IMS). S4 sensor of E‐nose exhibited the most extensive response to all samples. Saccharomyces cerevisiae increased ethanol and 3‐methylbutan‐1‐ol levels, while Lactobacillus rhamnosus led to a significant increase in acetone. Principal component analysis effectively discriminated the aroma of SFGR with different starters. Additionally, a strong correlation was observed between the E‐nose and GC‐IMS results. Our study shows that Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus rhamnosus can enhance the flavour of fermented rice products.