Kapil Mohan may have been a teetotaller, but he ensured that the Old Monk you drink today is just as strong as it was when it was launched in 1954.
Here are some facts that you may or may not know about your favourite rum!
A little known fact is that it wasn’t Kapil Mohan, but his brother Ved Ratan Mohan who gave birth to the rum brand, reported Business Today. Kapil Mohan took charge of Mohan Meakin, the manufacturers of the beloved drink, in 1973, two decades after his father NN Mohan acquired it.
Ved Ratan Mohan named the rum ‘Old Monk’, following his fascination with Benedictine monks and the liqueurs they produced.
Kapil Mohan came into the picture as late as 1973. Under his watch, Old Monk would be developed and poured into the familiar, stout hard glass bottle that would go on to adorn college hostels across the country.
Mohan Meakin did not advertise their rum, and Old Monk became popular by word of mouth (or sips) alone. The rum has an alcohol content of 42.8 percent, and a few hints of vanilla and caramel is what give it its unique flavour.
The rum's trusted partner is, of course, Coca-Cola. Several Old Monk fans swear by ‘Rum n' Coke’, also called Cuba Libre. However, bars today are also experimenting with other mixers, including tangy juices and common spices.
In 2001, a feud with nephew Rakesh ‘Rocky’ Mohan led to loss of business in Uttar Pradesh and northern states. Over the years, news of shortage of the rum has made the rounds, sparking panic every time. But the drink always bounced back.
Did you know that Mohan Meakin also sold breakfast cereal, juices and vinegar? Once a promising company, Mohan Meakin isn't doing so well today but its loyal fans are in no mood to switch. Old Monk boasts a fandom like no other, with dedicated fan clubs online and offline.
Are you on this fandom bandwagon?
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