What are the three largest selling rums in the world? We all know the top seller - Bacardi, and some might know the second - Tanduay, made in the Phillipines. But few would realize that Old Monk Seven Year Rum, from India, is the third. You see, we forget that there is really another world of rum, far from the Caribbean. Here's a short list:
Bacardi: 19.7 million cases
Tanduay: 12.9
Old Monk: 7.2
The two fastest growing brands are Captain Morgan and Celebration Rum. But, as always, I digress. Like Wray & Nephews Overproof in Jamaican, Old Monk Rum has a cult following in India. Old Monk is produced by Mohan Meakin whose history dates back to Mr. Edward Dyer in 1855. This rum is called a "vatted" Indian rum and is blended and aged for a labeled seven years, and bottled at 42.8% (86 proof). A 12 year version, Old Monk Gold Reserve, is said to exist.
It may be fairly said that Old Monk is the preferred spirit of India and is literally revered. It comes in four sizes: a Quarter (180 ml), Pint (375), and the classic Full or Khamba, 750 ml. A full liter is also available. Empty Quarters are often carried about as good luck charms. Empty Old Monk bottles often are kept as planter/homes for Monkey plants. Old Monk is so popular that a counterfeit called "Jaali Maal" is often sold. Knowledgable Old Monk drinkers distinguish the real spirit by its nasal prickle, while the counterfeit smells simply sweet. It is said the Old Monk is also the intellectual's drink, after tea.
Think about it!
An Indian poster spoke with reverence about his Old Monk:
Enough! I was fortunate indeed to stop in at a small, out of the way Indian owned rum shop a few miles south, and ran across a Full of Old Monk in its completely unique bottle for a mere $15. Needless to say, it went home with me. Before Sue Sea could join me in a tasting, she was caused to leave for the frigid north to attend the birth of her daughter's new baby, Emma! So it was left to her son Bryan - a talented taster in his own right, and I - to seek enlightenment from the Old Monk..."OM mostly goes well with cola, soda, a dash of lemon and ice, mixed with either/ or in combination as per the taste of the drinker. OM works well in running nose, regular cough and cold. Just take a shot neat and feel the ball of fire rolling down your throat. There’s another Vedic potion- OM mixed with warm water and couple of tulsi leaves and a spoonful of Honey; works wonders! The biggest advantage of OM is that it does not give any hangover. OM saves packing space while traveling. We called OM as “Liquid Kambal”."
Bryan:
Me:This is actually my first posted review here at Jimbo's website, and I surely hope I can live up to my mother's impressive tastings. I have worked as a waiter for 20 years, and have become very familiar with wines.
On my extended stay here in Florida, Jim and Susan have introduced me to rum and took much time - and rum! - to bring me up to speed. Old Monk XXX Seven Year was my first real test. Jim asked me to taste it and record my notes. These were so close to his own - including the score - that he proclaimed me a graduate of the Capn Jimbo school of rum tasting.
When I first saw Old Monk's unique square bottle I was immediately intrigued, moreso when I was told this rum was from India. My first sniff of the bottle was of maple syrup, which reminded me of an earlier, unfortunate experience with 1 Barrel. But after I actually poured an ounce and allowed it to air well, things changed for the better. My high nosing found maple, vanilla, and a kind of lemon floral furniture polish, over a deeper nosing of raisin, maple, vanilla, cinnamon and brown sugar.
Tastewise Old Monk began with a smooth oakey deep orange with maple and vanilla. The ending taste and finish was explosive - very peppery - and with an unexpected very dry, leathery finish, sort of medicinal. The ending tastes and finish were not consistent with the aroma and I found this surprising.
Overall, this is a very aromatic rum. Although it was not as consistent as I would have liked, it was not bad and I would certainly drink it again!
I sure miss Sue Sea, and not just her tasting talents and I will certainly try to make up for her absence. My thanks to Bryan, whose tastings have become quite impressive. Old Monk is surely a unique rum and that begins with the bottle. Squat and nearly square, with rounded shoulders, and a nice heavily textured glass surface that is easily and safely gripped for the pours that follow. The label is an understated black with a red "rope" trim, and featuring "Old Monk Very Old Vatted XXX Rum", and "7 Years Old Blended".
I poured a dram - or "peg" as they say in India and was immediated greeted with a room filling sweet maple aroma. Its color was a clear deeper amber with a lovely copper glow, and medium-fast legs. Since I noted a nasal prickle I assume my bottle is authentic, lol. The aroma was dark, of prunes and dark raisins, maple syrup, and pungent deep spice, and notable caramel and molasses. A deep dark sweet rich aroma.
I would have to call Old Monk full-bodied and it opens smoothly, and completely consistently dark and sweet. However this effect fades as a growing black pepper takes over and led to a somewhat jarring, astringent, leathery peppery finish, which becomes a glowing white hot! Old Monk left a somewhat cloying sour maple leather, cigar box aftertaste. The kind that Sue Sea would like to clear with a water chaser.
Memorable at the least.
Despite all, this is a more than decent rum. Yes, it is inconsistent, but this is better described as surprising and unusual. And do remember it reflects a profile that is revered in India. For that alone - and especially considering the low price - buy it. It makes for a nice story, and striking change.
Rating (10 is best): 6