Kapil Mohan, man behind Old Monk, no more: 5 popular versions of the iconic rum

The man behind the iconic rum brand Old Monk, Brigadier (retd.) Kapil Mohan passed away on January 6. He was 88 years old. Kapil Mohan was former Chairman and MD of Mohan Meakin Ltd.

Kapil, who was keeping unwell, died of a cardiac arrest in Ghaziabad’s Mohan Nagar area, as per reports. He is survived by his wife Pushpa Mohan. He was honoured by the Government of India, in 2010, with the fourth highest Indian civilian award, Padma Shri. Kapil Mohan happened to be unwell over the last few years of his life and had handed over the day-to-day functioning of the various companies to his nephews, Hemant and Vinay Mohan.

Holder of a doctoral degree (PhD) and a former Managing Director of Trade Links Private Limited, and after the launch of Old Monk on December 19, 1954, Mohan’s leadership saw the company develop three distilleries, two breweries and a host of new franchises in India. Currently, a multi-faceted business house with a turnover exceeding Rs 400 crore, Mohan Meakin (first known brewery in India) under Kapil Mohan’s leadership.

There is no advertising, its popularity depends on word of mouth and loyalty of customers. The dark rum with its distinct vanilla flavour became the largest selling dark rum in the world for many years. It became so huge that the company decided to launch five versions of the iconic Old Monk.

We listed down five versions of the iconic rum Old Monk:

1. Old Monk Supreme Rum

The Supreme version which gained popularity, is 12 years aged. Supreme also comes in a special bottle, with the shape of a standing monk. The top part of the monk’s head is the bottle cap, which also doubles up as a peg measure.

2. Old Monk Gold Reserve Rum

The Gold Reserve version is also 12 years aged. The bottle is simple but more refined version.

3. Old Monk XXX Rum

The 7 years aged XXX rum grade is the most popular version of the Old Monk brand. And come in its iconic square shaped bottle.

4. Old Monk White Rum

The Old Monk White Rum is another favourite in India. While it may have the look of your average white rum, the tastes and aromas are altogether surprising; notes of vanilla which the brand is famous for.

5. Old Monk Legend – Limited Edition

This limited edition version of Old Monk is in the shape of the old monk’s face. The number of years it has been aged is unclear, the box states “very old vatted”.