One can only marvel at how Old Monk has become a cult and given India a whole new drinking culture.
When it comes to Old Monk, you’ll see the rich drink it, as well as the poor. Such is the magic, such is the beauty of Old Monk that our romance with rum will just never end.
And if you thought you knew everything about this iconic Rum brand that’s closing in on completing 65 years of existence, well think again.
Forever delighting drinkers around the world, here are five amazing things that you didn’t know about Old Monk.
1. Six Decades of Dominance
While cake and rum never make for a good combination (trust me on this), you’d certainly want to celebrate Old Monk’s birthday. And it’s better you note the date down.
December 19, 1954 was the day that surely went down in the annals of drinks that have well and truly left a mark on our minds and hearts. After all, it was the day that Mohan Meakin Breweries introduced the world to Old Monk. Closing in on its 65th anniversary, it’s sure been a journey to cherish for one of the most-loved spirits in India.
2. This Old Monk is a Rummy Champ
Kapil Mohan was the former chairman and MD of Mohan Meakin Ltd. and played a telling role in making this dark rum so famous that even teetotallers would have heard of its popularity amongst the masses and the classes.
Speaking of teetotallers, Kapil Mohan himself was one. Ironic? We think so.
Taking over the helms at Mohan Meakin Ltd. in 1970, this iconic legend went on to receive the Padma Shri award in 2010 for trade and industry. He passed away on January 6, 2018 at the age of 88.
3. They’ve Got Their Very Own Fan Club
It’s no secret that Old Monk has achieved cult status in India. So much so that the dark rum has its own fan club in Mumbai called COMRADES.
It stands for Council of Old Monk Rum Addicted Drinkers and Eccentrics and was founded by Ian Pereira in 2004.
4. It’s All About Loving Your Family
If you thought there was only one variant of India’s most preferred dark rum, well think again.
The 7-year-aged Old Monk, the original and still the most popular variant, is sold in six sizes (90 ml, 180 ml, 375 ml, 500ml, 750 ml, and 1 litre bottles)
If we’re talking bottles that’ll catch your attention, how can we not talk about the Old Monk Supreme XXX. This 12-year-old gem comes in a bottle that’s in the shape of a standing monk. And in case you wanted something to measure your peg, look no further than cap of the bottle.
Other variants include white, flavoured, Gold Reserve (12 years) and Supreme Varieties. There’s also the Old Monk Deluxe XXX Rum, Old Monk White Rum, Old Monk Legend that’s available.
And in case you were wondering how much alcohol is going down your throat as you sip and savour Old Monk, the answer to the million-dollar question is – 42.8% (ABV) in India, 40% in USA and 50% if you’ve got your hands on the army issue.
5. They’ve Even Got a Song and a Movie in Their Name
With alcohol being a crucial part of Punjabi songs, one would certainly expect a song solely dedicated to Old Monk. This 2017 chartbuster is definitely on the playlist of every Old Monk fan.
And taking my love for rum forward, I simply had to tell you about this short film made on this very special drink that we all love.
Enough of the information, it’s time to sip and savour our favourite rum.
