Nestled in the heart of West Bengal, Kolkata’s relationship with Old Monk spans decades – it's not just a rum, but a cultural touchstone. With its signature vanilla-touched, dark molasses flavor and a reliably affordable price tag, Old Monk has remained a city staple. In 2025, whether you're picking up a pocket‑friendly flask or a premium collector’s bottle, here’s your essential guide to the Old Monk price in Kolkata, complete with reliable data and detailed variant breakdowns.
A Brief History of Old Monk
- Origins (1855): The lineage of Old Monk traces to Edward Dyer’s brewery in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, founded in 1855. It later merged with Meakin & Co. and became Mohan Meakin in 1949.
- Creation of the rum (1954): Under Ved Rattan Mohan, the company introduced Old Monk in 1954 – named after Benedictine monks who inspired its recipe. It matured in oak for seven years and launched as a darker, spiced rum.
- Golden Era & Legacy: For decades, Old Monk was India’s top-selling dark rum, loved across demographics – from soldiers to students. Surprisingly, it never ran paid ads; popularity grew solely by word‑of‑mouth .
Official Bottle Sizes & Availability
Old Monk, an iconic dark rum by Mohan Meakin, is bottled at 42.8% ABV and sold in six standard sizes: 90 ml, 180 ml, 375 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml, and 1 L. Variants include Classic, Gold Reserve, Supreme Deluxe (XXX), The Legend, White, and flavoured editions (Apple, Orange, Lemon).
Old Monk Prices in Kolkata — 2025
Highlights by Bottle Size
- 180 ml (Mini): Classic at INR 153; Gold Reserve at INR 213.
- 375 ml: Classic INR 320; Gold Reserve INR 440.
- 500 ml: Classic INR 425.
- 750 ml: Classic INR 640; Gold Reserve INR 880; Supreme Deluxe INR 1,000; The Legend INR 1,120; Flavoured editions INR 970.
- 1 L: Classic INR 740 (GlobalWhiskyPrice).
Price Trends & Context
- Compared to 2024, prices have undergone moderate hikes – 5% to 10% increases – driven by excise adjustments and inflation.
- Despite these upward shifts, the INR 640 price for a classic 750 ml bottle keeps Old Monk one of Kolkata’s most accessible dark rums.
Where to Purchase
You can find all variants of Old Monk at licensed liquor outlets across Kolkata – including BevCo stores, Spencer’s, and local vendors – and through government-approved online platforms. Prices may vary slightly due to outlet location, individual taxes, and stock availability.
Why Old Monk Remains Iconic
- Nostalgia & Emotion: Old Monk is often “everyone’s first drink,” evoking fond memories of carefree youth.
- Secretive Craftsmanship: Its original recipe – spiced, aged, and perfected over years – is guarded like a national treasure, offering a unique taste unseen in other rums.
- Versatile & Accessible: Whether served neat, with cola, or in cocktails, it appeals to a wide audience.
- Cultural Roots: Embraced across social strata – from army canteens to classy bars – Old Monk is known as “India’s national drink” by many.
How to Enjoy Old Monk
- Neat or on the rocks to savor vanilla, caramel, and oak layers.
- Mixer combos: Cola or India’s Thums Up is a cult pairing.
- Cocktail canvas: From Monk Mojito to Spiced Punch and Coffee Monk – it blends well.
- Traditional style: Hot toddy with water, lemon, and cloves: perfect winter sip.
Summing Up
In 2025, the Old Monk price in Kolkata remains attractive across its range – from pocket-sized bottles to premium editions. Whether you’re seeking nostalgia in a 180 ml flask, planning a celebration with the classic 750 ml, or adding a collector’s bottle like The Legend to your cabinet, this guide offers the most accurate and current pricing.
