Once this drink was intended to raise the morale of soldiers, to give them pleasant minutes of relaxation and sweet oblivion. Today, it is almost the property of India, if you look at it through the eyes of a thirsty traveler. This colorful country, due to its atmosphere, variety of colors, eternal hustle and bustle of European residents, leaves a bright mark in the soul of every tourist. And one who at least once tasted a real Indian rum must bring it as a present to his friends and relatives, not forgetting to hide one or another bottle in his bins.
What is so special about this drink? To understand this, you need to try it. And to begin with, it will be useful to get acquainted with its history and cooking features.
Meet: Old Monk!
Of course, we can’t say that everyone who tastes likes Indian rum. Reviews about him can be heard completely opposite. Often the reason is either in personal, subjective preferences (even the highest quality and tastiest alcohol in the world will not be to everyone's taste), or in the fakes that appeared on store shelves (yes, today this rum can also be bought outside of India). But omit these two reasons beyond our control. Let us dwell on the history of the drink, the method of its preparation and, of course, the rich taste.
Who is producing?
The history of this drink began in the mid-19th century. Mr. Edward Dyer, previously engaged in the production of beer in India, realized that it would be more profitable to retrain and turn his attention to the more popular drink in those days. He found a partner and soon their small company began to produce Indian rum in industrial quantities. The idea turned out to be successful, and the drink received recognition not only in its own country, but also far beyond its borders. Today, Mohan Meakin Limited supplies its rum not only to Europe, but also to America.
Indian rum: production features
In each country, the same drink can be made in completely different ways. This is all the beauty - in diversity. Rum Indian "Old Monk" also found its audience: many tourists set the tasting of this already famous drink as one of the goals of their trips to India. In this country, he is really special.
For the manufacture of Indian rum, sugarcane is harvested in the highlands. Moreover, if in Cuba during the production process the alcohols are purified as much as possible, and then they are already saturated with the aromas of barrels or some specific spice, then in India they do not. Therefore, the resulting drink has a very rich and multifaceted taste. Indian rum is thick and quite high in strength. Not everyone will like it, but many will definitely appreciate this drink.
Varieties of Indian Rum
Most tourists (or those who got the rum as a presentation from India) are familiar with only one version of the drink (dark classic rum). In fact, there are several. Mohan Meakin Limited produces both young, fairly light and aged alcohols. The latter are most appreciated by connoisseurs.
Old monk white
The youngest of this brand is the Indian rum Old Monk White. It is aged not in barrels, but in special metal containers, which takes only 6 months. Due to the short aging time, the rum is very light and light.
The taste is sweetish, with noticeable notes of ripe fruit in the aroma. This drink is perfect for making light alcoholic cocktails.
Old Monk Deluxe XXX Rum
Prefer dark rum? Then you may like the sizzling throat of Old Monk Deluxe XXX Rum - quite sweet and firm. It has a strong floral-fruity aroma and caramel flavor. If you ask to evaluate this particular variety of Indian rum, then opinions on it are likely to be divided. Do not be surprised - this drink is specific, but this is exactly what some people like about it.
Old Monk XXX Rum
The most popular as a presentation from Goa is the Indian rum Old Monk XXX Rum. It's all about a bottle made in the form of a monk, which attracts tourists (a sort of gift option). This rum is also dark, aged for as long as 7 years! It may seem strange to many that the taste does not have a hint of molasses or caramel (which is usually characteristic of this drink). But this is his personality, which many like so much.
Old Monk Gold Reserve Rum
And concludes our today's excursion into the world of varieties of Indian rum "long-liver" called Old Monk Gold Reserve Rum. It is aged 12 years, and always in oak barrels. The temperature in the cellars is closely monitored so that the differences do not affect the taste of the drink. This is an undoubted classic among the entire existing line. Have you decided to try the Old Monk Indian rum for the first time? Reviews about this particular variety of it are almost always positive and even enthusiastic.
Gold Reserve has a deep and vibrant flavor with noticeable fruity undertones. He will take you to the world of the tropics from the very first sips.
Should I bring rum from India?
Of course it's worth it! If this is the Indian rum Old Monk, then you definitely need to try it. It’s not a fact that you will like it, because you don’t argue about tastes. A lot of those who do not like this rum at all. Maybe it is a matter of strength and richness of taste and aroma (India, with its racy flavor, is also not to everyone's liking). But if you are still interested in knowing what kind of real Indian rum it is, then feel free to contact the products of the famous Mohan Meakin Limited brand.
A little observation that may help you make the right choice. Ladies often like the light old Monk White rum. It goes well with a snack of cheeses (brie, camembert, maasdam), grapes and nuts. Drink rum in the company of friends, and then arrange Indian dances - how do you like the idea?
Gentlemen prefer a stronger drink. And in this case we are talking about a quality standard - Old Monk Gold Reserve rum. Its rich and rich taste, bitterness combined with the sweetness of tropical fruits will not leave indifferent any "pirate". And even a snack is useless. Savor rum in small sips to try its rich bouquet of taste and aroma - this is a real pleasure.
Already wanted to embark on an unforgettable trip to India? Then go ahead - to conquer new horizons and, of course, try new ones. And start exploring Indian drinks with the famous rum! Enjoy your adventures (and tastings)!