Very Old Vatted Old Monk Rum
Old Monk Very Old Vatted is India's iconic dark rum, aged for a minimum of 7 years. Known for its distinct vanilla and caramel notes, smooth profile (for its category), and affordable price, it's a hugely popular choice across the country, often enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or famously mixed with cola.
Old Monk Very Old Vatted Rum is a flagship product from Mohan Meakin Ltd., launched in 1954 and produced primarily in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. This dark rum is crafted from molasses and undergoes a vatting process, meaning rums aged for varying periods (minimum 7 years) in oak barrels are blended together to achieve a consistent flavour profile. It boasts a deep brown colour and a distinctive aroma dominated by vanilla, caramel, and subtle hints of spice. On the palate, it's relatively smooth with pronounced sweetness, featuring flavours of molasses, vanilla, burnt caramel, and a touch of spice, leading to a warm, medium-length finish. Its unique, somewhat squat bottle is instantly recognisable. Despite minimal advertising, Old Monk has achieved cult status in India through word-of-mouth, becoming synonymous with rum for generations and holding a strong nostalgic value. It remains one of the best-selling rums in India.
Tasting Notes
Pronounced vanilla bean, sweet caramel, molasses, hints of dried fruit, subtle oak, and perhaps a touch of spice (like cinnamon or nutmeg
Quite sweet and relatively smooth. Strong flavours of vanilla essence, burnt caramel, dark molasses, sometimes hints of chocolate or coffee, and warm baking spices. The oak influence is present but often secondary to the sweeter notes.
Food Pairings
Old Monk's robust sweetness and spice notes pair well with:
Curries (like mutton or chicken curry), kebabs, biryani
Complements smoky flavours.
Dark chocolate cake, fruitcake, rum balls, desserts with caramel or coffee notes.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoyed straight at room temperature by purists.
Served over ice cubes, which slightly dilutes it and mellows the intensity.
A splash of chilled water or club soda can open up the flavours.
The most popular mixer by far. Typically a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio of rum to cola, often with a squeeze of lime.
Interesting Facts
Launched in December 1954
Produced by Mohan Meakin Ltd., a company established in 1855 (originally as Dyer Breweries).
It was reportedly the largest-selling dark rum brand globally for many years.
Known for its minimal advertising budget, relying heavily on brand loyalty and word-of-mouth.
The distinctive bottle shape is iconic and often kept as a keepsake or used for decoration/lamps.
Has a strong cultural connection in India, particularly associated with college life, the armed forces, and social gatherings.