There is an old saying that goes on in my generation. “Are you a rum drinker? No, I am an Old Monk drinker”. That is what an Old Monk xxx is for its fanatics, it is like a cult when comes to rum. No other rum has been able to make this kind of statement. I have seen people going from one shop to another just because they need Old Monk and nothing else.
Old Monk xxx comes from the house of Mohan Meakin and it has a bit of a long history.
History
In the 1980s when India was under the British Empire a young fellow named Edward Abraham Dyer came from England to establish a brewery in India. In 1855 Dyer Breweries was incorporated near the hills of Kasauli.
Well as we all know one is not enough, and for the demand for clean good drinking water, which is one of the main ingredients for Brewing. This person scaled the establishment to Simla, Solan, Lucknow and Mandalay (Burma). By then, the Kasauli brewery was converted to a distillery.
In 1887 another enterprising person H. G. Meakin showed enthusiasm for the business and bought the old Simla and Kasauli Breweries and Meakin & Co. Ltd was incorporated. Along with the two he also built others at Dalhousie, Ranikhet, Chakrarta, Darjeeling and Kirkee.
So, when H. G. Meakin bought the Kasauli unit it was a distillery.
Now comes the time First World War (1914-18) both the establishments E. Dyer & Co., and Meakin & Co. Ltd. did business together and supplied beer to soldiers at a rock bottom price. Only at the end of the war. Both firms joined hands and incorporated Dyer Meakin & Co.Ltd.
In 1937 Burma was separated from India and the company had to restructure itself and was now Dyer Meakin Breweries. This entity was traded on the London Stock Exchange.
After India’s independence, Narendra Nath Mohan raised funds and acquired a major controlling stake in the company. Later the new breweries were set up in Lucknow, Ghaziabad and Khopoli. Later on 01-Nov-1966, the company changed its name to Mohan Meakin Ltd.
Now, Old Monk is said to have first tasted on 19-Dec-1954. This rum is said to be the third largest-selling rum in the world and has been the biggest Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) brand for many years.
Colour & Tasting Notes
Old Monk xxx is a dark maroon rum which is matured in oak barrels for at atleast 7 years. Old Monk is sweet on the nose with an aroma of Oak, Almond, Caramel and Vanilla. While sipping It has caramel, ripe peach, cola and chocolate with a hint of vanilla flavour taste. This rum’s alcohol strength is kept at 42.8%
Cost
Old Monk xxx is a well-known brand in the world, the cost will vary in different parts of the world. A 750 ml bottle would cost you between 500/- to 700/- INR and 20/- to 30/- $ globally.
Bottle
The Old Monk bottle is somewhat of an icon it has not changed a bit, it’s been the same. The company did change to plastic bottles a few years back. Which the cult did not like but now you get both plastic as well as glass. It is also said that the transformation of the pet bottle was due to the supply factor to the Indian armed forces.
Old Monk xxx rum is available in 90 ml, 180 ml, 375 ml, 500ml, 750 ml, and 1 litre bottles.
Best Mixes
This is my favourite part, Old Monk is ideal with water, soda and any of the black soft drinks. That is what most people prefer. But I have seen people enjoy this rum with lime, honey and spices. Old Monk gives a naughty view when having with cola, the same boldness sounds when having with water or on the rocks.
Recipes
Firstly “one should drink rum how they like to drink it”.
There is no right or wrong it is just preference. On the other hand, one can do so much when it comes to Old Monk rum;
Rum Mule
Pore a 60 ml Old Monk and add 150 ml of ginger ale if you want to add a bit of a twist dash of lime. If you don’t have Ginger Ale, fresh ginger juice 15 ml with soda. Adding mint leaves is your preference. Lastly a lot of ice and enjoy this absolutely delicious drink.
Rum Toddy
Pore a 60 ml Old Monk with 150 ml of hot water and 15 ml of honey. Spice the rum toddy by adding cinnamon and a dash of lime if you like. This is a hot drink absolutely heavenly in the winter season.
Rum Cola
I don’t think it will ever get old, 60 ml of Old Monk with 250 ml of your favourite cola with ice. If like add a dash of lime. This drink is a naughty drink, young or old it never gets faded.
There is so much that can be done with Old Monk.
My take on Old Monk
This is one brand of rum that I can literally pinpoint and say, 95% of the rum drinkers have Old Monk in their home bars. I have grown up on this rum from my college days till date. This is one of my most preferred rums for the winter. It is an absolute pleasure when having this rum with cola and ice. This rum is good to taste and not heavy on the pocket. Rum does have its effects which is why rum should be consumed responsibly at all times. Now sit back and enjoy your Old Monk xxx rum.