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Old Monk

In 1855, Edward Abraham Dyer opened a brewery in Kasauli, in the Himalayan foothills, to supply British soldiers with cheap beer - the seed of a company that, after Indian independence, was taken over by Narendra Nath Mohan in 1949 and renamed Mohan Meakin. His son Ved Rattan Mohan, a retired Indian Army colonel, was inspired by Benedictine monks after a trip to Europe in 1954 to create a new rum: Old Monk, matured seven years in oak vats and infused with spices. Under the leadership of his brother Kapil Mohan, Old Monk grew into India's best-selling spirit and is still regarded by many today as the country's unofficial "national drink".

Why is the rum called "Old Monk"?

Creator Ved Rattan Mohan was so impressed by Benedictine monks after a trip to Europe in 1954 that he named his new, seven-year-matured spiced rum "Old Monk" in their honour.

Is Old Monk really India's "national drink"?

Unofficially, yes - for decades Old Monk was India's best-selling spirits brand and remains deeply rooted in Indian drinking culture today, especially popular in the armed forces and as the classic rum-and-cola drink.

Flavour profile

Taste: Dark, sweet and spiced with caramel, vanilla and subtle spice notes - a full-bodied, uncomplicated rum without harshness.

Recommended enjoyment: Classically with cola as a "rum cola", or neat for fans of sweet, dark rums.

Start with Old Monk 7 Year Old Rum.

Facts and figures

Company origins 1855 (Dyer's Brewery), Mohan Meakin since 1949. Old Monk launched December 1954 by Ved Rattan Mohan. Matured 7 years in oak vats. India's best-selling spirit for decades.