Mohan Meakin Distillery Old Monk XXX Indian Black Rum

Old Monk XXX is one of the most recognised rums in the world, produced by Mohan Meakin, a historic Indian distillery whose roots reach back to the colonial era. Aged seven years and dressed in its squat, instantly familiar bottle, it has a devoted following well beyond India and tends to divide drinkers sharply between affection and indifference.

The rum is distilled from molasses on a column still and matured in ex-bourbon casks, then bottled at a soft 37.5%. The profile is dark and sweet, built around caramel, toffee and a brown sugar finish, with the rounded vanilla tone of a easygoing dark rum. There is a slightly dry, papery edge that some find spicy and intriguing. This is not a rum for those chasing high ester funk or oak driven depth, but as a nostalgic, gentle and very drinkable dark rum it remains hard to beat at the price.