How Old Monk Became One Of India's Most Beloved Rum And Why It Still Reigns

NDTV

12-07-2025

Old Monk, in Indian homes, evokes pure nostalgia. It is not just a rum; it is a sentiment shared across generations. Whether you remember sipping it by the bonfire with college mates, sneaking it into hostels on chilly winter nights, or gifting it in brown paper bags to your favourite uncle, Old Monk has seen it all. Its sweet, spiced warmth is familiar, like a long-lost friend who shows up just when you need them. Despite its modest label and complete absence of advertising, Old Monk became a legacy poured from generation to generation.
So, on this World Rum Day, we raise a toast to the stories, the winter nights, the laughter, and to this 71-year-old rum that never tried to be cool, but always was.
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History And Origin Of Old Monk: It All Started In Colonial India
Old Monk's roots date back to the mid-19th century, high up in the hills of Kasauli. In 1855, a Scotsman named Edward Dyer (father of General Dyer, 'infamous' for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919) set up a brewery to supply cheap beer to British soldiers stationed in the region. As time passed and the tides of independence rolled in, the brewery changed hands and eventually became Mohan Meakin, led by N.N. Mohan, who gave it a distinctly Indian soul.
But the game changer came in 1954, when his son, Ved Rattan Mohan, a retired army colonel, created Old Monk. According to food historians, the name was inspired by the peaceful, contemplative lives of Benedictine monks he admired during his travels abroad.
After Ved Mohan's passing, his brother Kapil Mohan, the name most closely associated with Old Monk today, took charge and turned it into the country's largest-selling liquor brand. It is a drink that never shouted, never advertised, yet found its way into homes, hearts, and brown-paper-bag gifts across India.
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A Rum That's Truly Indian With A Global Appeal
Today, Old Monk is crafted across six production units located in various cities across India, including its birthplace Kasauli. While rooted deeply in Indian drinking culture, the brand's influence stretches across Asia, America, and parts of Europe, quietly earning devoted fans.
Aged for seven years in oak barrels, Old Monk's flavour is bold and comforting. Notes of vanilla, caramel, chocolate, and spice come together in every sip. Whether you mix it with cola, pour it over ice, or enjoy it neat, this rum delivers a warmth that lingers long after the glass is empty.
According to oldmonkrum.ee, each bottle is handmade from start to finish, maintaining its artisanal charm and unmistakable character. The website also notes that since 1982, Old Monk has received multiple gold medals from Monde Selection, an international award for excellence in quality.
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Netaji And The Gumnami Baba Theory: A Curious Twist
One of the most debated theories around Old Monk suggest that the name was actually a tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who, according to some historians and curious minds, lived in disguise as a spiritual recluse known as Gumnami Baba in Uttar Pradesh.
As per this theory, Colonel Ved Rattan Mohan met Gumnami Baba in the 1950s and was so moved by his presence that he named the rum "Old Monk" in secret homage to Netaji's ascetic post-independence life.
But to be clear, there is no verified evidence supporting this claim and the official story remains grounded in European inspiration. Still, the rumour thrives on social media, pub debates, and nostalgic conversations, adding a layer of intrigue that Old Monk almost wears like a badge.
So, the next time you reach for a bottle of Old Monk, take a moment. You are not just drinking rum, you are sipping on history, memory, and maybe even a dash of mystery.
Disclaimer: This article is meant to share the story and cultural significance of the spirit. It does not encourage or promote alcohol consumption. If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly and only if you are of legal drinking ag e.
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About Somdatta Saha Explorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day.
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Old Monk Rum
History Of Old Monk
World Rum Day
India's Iconic Rum
Popular Indian Rum
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