There are very few spirits in India that have the power to evoke loyalty and nostalgia as fiercely as Old Monk. Produced since 1954, this legendary, vetted dark rum has a cult following with zero advertising. While most fans are familiar with the iconic square-shaped bottle of Old Monk XXX Rum, many are surprised to learn about its premium upgrades, such as Old Monk Supreme. So if you are trying to understand the difference between Old Monk variants, here’s a breakdown of Old Monk Supreme vs Old Monk XXX Rum.
This is the flagship expression of the brand, which is officially named Old Monk Very Old Vatted XXX Rum. It is made from sugarcane molasses and has been aged in oak casks for 7 years minimum. This dark rum is famous for its flavor and unmistakable aroma.
When Old Monk XXX Rum is poured into a glass, it reveals a deep mahogany hue with dark reddish tones. Its fragrance offers heavy notes of dark caramel, cocoa powder, molasses, and sweet vanilla. On the palate, it offers a rich syrupy sweetness that is beautifully complemented by warm spices like clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The finish is bold and warm and carries a slight alcohol bite, which makes it rustic and spirited.
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Old Monk Supreme Rum is the perfect choice for drinkers who are looking for a step up from the entry-level offering. It represents a more refined and mature expression than the classic one. It is designed for rum enthusiasts who love complex wood character and prefer it over pure sweetness. Hence, it is aged for about 12 years in oak barrels.
Old Monk Supreme has a rich amber dark maroon color and a fragrance that is less aggressively sweet and markedly drier than XXX. When opened and poured, you can smell the aromas of dried fruits, toasted vanilla, oak wood, and Christmas spices prominently. The heavy syrupiness is substituted with velvety notes of butterscotch, dried figs, smooth charred oak, and pipe tobacco. The finish is smooth with minimal burn.
One of the striking aspects of Old Monk Supreme is the fact that it is offered in a unique bottle. Instead of the classic standard square grid glass, it is offered in a sculpted glass bottle which is shaped like a standing monk. The top portion detaches from the bottle cap below it and can be placed as a novelty display piece.
The most fundamental distinction between these two variants of Old Monk lies in their barrel aging. Old Monk XXX is aged for 7 years in oak barrels. In this period, the caramel additives and spices blend well with molasses-based distillate, which results in its signature sweet profile.
Old Monk Supreme undergoes a 12-year oak maturation. It is kept for 5 extra years in the barrels as compared to Old Monk XXX. The result is that the harsh alcohol vapors are reduced, allowing ester complexity, dried fruit flavors, and natural wood tannins to develop naturally.
There is a very common myth among drinkers that the Old Monk Supreme edition contains more alcohol than XXX. But when both these variants are compared to know which Old Monk is stronger, Supreme or XXX, the answer is none of them are stringer than the other. Both these rums are bottled at 42.8 percent and are standard Indian-Made Foreign Liquor.
Just because Old Monk Supreme is aged a bit extra, it is smoother on the throat. This leads to many drinkers thinking that Old Monk Supreme is milder than Old Monk XXX.
Also Read: Rum Cocktails You Can Make At Home: 15 Easy Recipes For World Rum Day
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When you compare Old Monk Supreme's taste to XXX, their sweetness level and flavor density are the biggest differentiators.
The serving method of both these variants might be important to consider before choosing. For example, when you wish to make cocktails with Old Monk Rum, check this especially in monsoons, as rum tastes different during monsoon season.
When someone asks Is Old Monk Supreme Better Than XXX?, remember that the answer depends on what you want out of the glass.
Choose Old Monk XXX: If you want classic and nostalgic flavor that has defined generations, you can choose Old Monk XXX. It is budget-friendly and mixes perfectly well with ginger ale, hot water, and cola.
Choose Old Monk Supreme: If you like sipping on dark spirits on the rocks or neat, you can go for Old Monk Supreme. The extra 5 years of aging result in an elegant dark rum that has complex oak tannins that offer a nice punch. The monk-shaped bottle can be a great addition to any setup.
So here you go! We have listed all the important points about both variants. Now it's you who needs to decide based on your taste and preferences. Both rums hold a very important part in indian drinking culture. Whether you choose Old Monk XXX or Old Monk Supreme, you are surely taking part in a legacy in the making.
