An Ode to the Old Monk- From an Old Faithful

How do you know in US if the Indian to whose house you have been to is new to alcohol or is a mature drinker, quite like one of the Single malts in his house? Very simple! If he has an Old Monk in his collection, you can take it for granted that he has one in his bar ever since his college days!!

Ask any true blue Indian drinker- more often than not, the very first "real drink" which they had was the ubiquitious Old Monk Rum. As soon as I smell Old Monk , I am immediately taken back to my hostel life in BHU, Old Monk was the elixir of our lives then.

Having travelled across the world and over the years tasting various brands of Rums from across the world, I would still place Old Monk up there among Rums. Although the pugnacious European connoisseur would probably say that it is not really a Triple X Rum, having been aged only 7 years, I would anyday prefer Old Monk over a Bacardi. And if you talk of dark rums- as per me none comes anywhere near it in taste and aroma. The high which it gives is not something which a normal bacardi drinker would identify with- it is for old monkers to savour.

The shape of the bottle gives it a distinct character and adds to its cult status among the Indian rum drinkers. Ask any of its followers to change the shape of the Old Monk Bottle- they would rather change the shape of their heart rather than change the shape of the bottle.

Guys, No prize for guessing, but if you have a yearning for Old Monk and all the bars are closed in the city, you know where to head to- My Home Bar!