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News18
21-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Old Monk: India's Best Rum Came From A Man Who Didn't Drink And Never Ran An Ad
Last Updated: Old Monk, India's iconic rum, has built a loyal fanbase, thanks to its taste, mystery, and legacy. However, its maker never drank a single sip, choosing a teetotal life instead No bar in India feels complete without a bottle of Old Monk, the country's most iconic rum. Convincing a dedicated Old Monk fan to switch to another brand is no easy task. Its loyal following is largely due to the fact that Old Monk has remained virtually unchanged since it was first introduced over seven decades ago. This consistency in taste and presentation has helped it become a staple in Indian households and beyond. A Taste That Stands The Test Of Time Old Monk is celebrated for its distinctive, rich flavour. Around a decade ago, rumours spread on social media suggesting that Mohan Meakin Limited, the company behind Old Monk, would cease production. The speculation sparked concern among its devoted fans, prompting the company to publicly assure consumers that Old Monk was not being discontinued. In fact, it remains India's most beloved rum and continues to enjoy widespread popularity. Interestingly, some believed the rumour to be a clever marketing tactic. However, the truth lies in a shift in promotional strategy. In 2012, Kapil Mohan, the then-chairman of Mohan Meakin, decided to stop actively marketing Old Monk. In an interview, he explained that he preferred the product to speak for itself and be shared through word of mouth. Another popular belief is that the rum's deep, complex taste resembles the wisdom of an old man. The brand's name, much like its recipe, remains shrouded in mystery, adding to its enduring charm. A Teetotaler's Gift To The Rum World A surprising fact about Old Monk is that Kapil Mohan, the man who popularised the brand, never drank alcohol himself. A staunch teetotaller with a fondness for tea, he took over the family business after retiring from the army, following the death of his elder brother Ved Ratan Mohan, who originally created Old Monk. Though the brand was launched in the 1960s, it gained a distinct identity under Kapil Mohan's leadership from 1973 onwards. Under his guidance, Old Monk grew in both national and international popularity, becoming the world's best-selling dark rum by the year 2000. From Colonial Roots To Global Recognition Mohan Meakin Limited was formed shortly after Indian independence when MN Mohan, Kapil Mohan's father, acquired a British-owned distillery. The company had originally been established in 1885 in Chamoli, Himachal Pradesh, by the father of infamous British officer General Dyer. Over the decades, Old Monk's production soared, with sales at one point reaching 8 million bottles per day. However, the brand experienced a dip when Rakesh Mohan, Kapil Mohan's nephew, sold the company's Lucknow facility to businessman Ponty Chadha, which reportedly affected distribution and sales. A Classic That Never Changed Old Monk's enduring appeal lies in its consistency. Since 1954, its signature XXX rum has remained a best-seller. The brand also offers Supreme and Gold Reserve variants aged up to 12 years, yet the original seven-year-old chocolate-brown blend continues to be its most loved product. The shape of the bottle and its label design have also remained consistent, creating a sense of nostalgia and brand identity. Remarkably, Old Monk has never relied on advertising, instead building its enormous fanbase through reputation alone. Loved Across The Globe Old Monk isn't just cherished in India. The rum has a devoted following in over 50 countries, including the UK, USA, Russia, Germany, Japan, Canada, Kenya, New Zealand, and the UAE. Many fans describe it as the smoothest rum they've ever tasted, with the added bonus of rarely causing a hangover, making it a favourite for repeat enjoyment. News18's viral page features trending stories, videos, and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
How Old Monk Became One Of India's Most Beloved Rum And Why It Still Reigns
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. Also Read: Rum Butter To Mojito: 6 Rum-Based Recipes You Must Try 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. Also Read: The Rum Ball - Among Kolkata's Many Sweet Obsessions (Recipe Inside) 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 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. Also Read: 13 Top Rum Brands You Must Have In Your Collection 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. Advertisement 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. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Old Monk Rum History Of Old Monk World Rum Day India's Iconic Rum Popular Indian Rum Show full article Comments
