Exploring Old Monk Rum and Its Top Selling Variants

Old Monk is an Indian-originated dark and white rum brand manufactured by the famous Indian distillery Mohan Meakin for more than half a century from Indian-based cane juice and molasses. This rum is considered to be the national beverage for Indians because of the respect and love it has gained from the Indians. From famous Hollywood actors to small peons, it has been a favorite of all. According to the excise department of India, more than two billion liters of beverages were consumed by the people in 2023, and 3.2% of the total is Old Monk, which is almost 64 million cases annually.

Here is the list of all these major cities with their annual number of Old Monk cases sold:

1. Mumbai: 500,000 cases
2. Delhi: 600,000 cases
3. Bangalore: 400,000 cases
4. Kolkata: 450,000 cases
5. Chennai: 350,000 cases
6. Hyderabad: 300,000 cases
7. Pune: 250,000 cases
8. Ahmedabad: 200,000 cases
9. Jaipur: 150,000 cases
10. Chandigarh: 100,000 cases
11. Lucknow: 120,000 cases
12. Indore: 110,000 cases
13. Bhopal: 90,000 cases
14. Patna: 80,000 cases
15. Kochi: 70,000 cases
16. Bhubaneswar: 60,000 cases
17. Guwahati: 50,000 cases
18. Surat: 90,000 cases
19. Ludhiana: 70,000 cases
20. Nagpur: 80,000 cases

How Old Monk Rum is Crafted?

1. Cane sugar or molasses is fermented to produce a fermented mixture.
2. The fermented mixture is distilled by the column method to separate the pure C₂H₅OH.
3. The distilled C₂H₅OH is aged in oak barrels for several years, allowing it to develop its rich flavors and dark color.
4. After aging (which is usually 2 to 7 years), the rum is blended with hot spring water, caramel, and natural flavors to achieve the final product.

Key Components of Old Monk

1. C₂H₅OH: Typically around 42.8% abv which is the standard for most rums.
2. Water: The distilled hot water which makes up the remaining 57.2% of the rum.
3. Cane Sugar: A sweetening agent and source of fermentable sugars; specific amounts are added.
4. Caramel: Small amounts, in specific concentrations, are added. Caramel provides color and some flavor, often giving rum its characteristic dark color.
5. Natural Flavors and Extracts: These enhance the flavor profile, often including spices, vanilla, and other flavoring agents characteristic of Old Monk.
6. Aging in Oak Barrels: This process contributes to the development of the rum’s rich flavors and dark color.

Features of Old Monk 

Feature/Fact	Description
Brand Name	Old Monk
Manufacturer	Mohan Meakin Ltd.
Country of Origin	India
Launch Year	1954
Type	Dark Rum
ABV	42.8% ABV
Aging	Aged for a minimum of 7 years
Bottle Sizes	180 ml, 375 ml, 500 ml, and 750 ml bottles
Packaging	Squared bottles with a monk figure on the label
Awards	Won several awards, including being ranked among the top 100 brands in the world by Impact International in 2010 Monde Selection Gold Medal (Various years) International Quality Crown Award (Various years) International Rum Conference Gold Medal (Various years)
Taste Profile	Rich caramel notes, vanilla, chocolate, and slight hints of spice
Color	Dark brown
Mixability	Can be consumed neat, with water, soda, or as a base in cocktails
Price Range	Generally affordable, with prices varying by region and bottle size; considered good value for money
Marketing Strategy	Relies heavily on word-of-mouth and brand loyalty; minimal advertising
Challenges	Faces competition from both domestic and international brands; evolving consumer preferences towards lighter spirits and craft beverages
Future Prospects	Continues to maintain a strong presence in the Indian market; potential for growth in international markets due to increasing interest in diverse and premium spirits from emerging economies

Available Variants in India

1. Old Monk 7 Years Blended Rum

• ABV: 42.8% 
• Available Volumes:
  • 180 ml
  • 375 ml
  • 750 ml
  • 1 liter

2. Old Monk Gold Reserve 12 Years

• ABV: 42.8%
• Available Volumes:
  • 180 ml
  • 375 ml
  • 750 ml
  • 1 liter

3. Old Monk Supreme

• ABV: 42.8% 
• Available Volumes:
  • 750 ml

4. Old Monk XXX Rum

• ABV : 42.8%
• Available Volumes:
  • 90 ml
  • 180 ml
  • 375 ml
  • 750 ml
  • 1 liter

5. Old Monk Deluxe XXX Rum

• ABV: 42.8% 
• Available Volumes:
  • 90 ml
  • 180 ml
  • 375 ml
  • 750 ml
  • 1 liter

6. Old Monk White Rum

• ABV: 42.8% 
• Available Volumes:
  • 180 ml
  • 375 ml
  • 750 ml

7. Old Monk Legend

• ABV: 42.8% 
• Available Volumes:
  • 750 ml

8. Old Monk XXX Rum (Special Edition)

• ABV: 42.8% 
• Available Volumes:
  • 750 ml

10. Old Monk Ginger Flavor Rum

• ABV: 42.8% 
• Available Volumes:
  • 750 ml

11. Old Monk Orange Rum

• ABV: 42.8% 
• Available Volumes:
  • 750 ml

12. Old Monk XXX Black Rum

• ABV: 42.8% 
• Available Volumes:
  • 90 ml
  • 180 ml
  • 375 ml
  • 750 ml

13. Old Monk Coffee Rum

• ABV: 42.8% 
• Available Volumes:
  • 750 ml

14. Old Monk Very Old Vatted Rum

• ABV: 42.8% 
• Available Volumes:
  • 180 ml
  • 375 ml
  • 750 ml

15. Old Monk Apple Rum

• ABV: 42.8% 
• Available Volumes:
  • 750 ml

16. Old Monk Amber Rum

• ABV: 42.8% 
• Available Volumes:
  • 180 ml
  • 375 ml
  • 750 ml

Old Monk 7 Years Blended Rum is the best old monk variants due to its long-standing reputation and a loyal customer in india. it is known for its smooth, rich flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of chocolate, making it a favorite among rum enthusiasts. 375 ml and 750 ml bottles of old monk are the most commonly sold volumes, as they cater to both casual consumers and regular drinkers.