Well this week I was willing to try something new, and figured maybe a nice sipping rum was in order. I’d seen the Old Monk a few times, and it always intrigued me. Not because of things like Trappist ales, where I have this notion that for some reason monks are the best at getting smashed, but because I like the look of the bottle.
This actually comes from India of all places (I know monks, but I assumed it was some Spanish or Latin monks for some reason), and not to be too spoiler-y it’s amazing. I know right now is the season for rum eggnog – but I don’t think I’d dare to put this into my nog. (I’ll stick to SoCo I guess), because this is just too tasty to not have straight up.
What they Say: “Imported Old Monk XXX Rum. The largest selling brand Winner of gold medals at the Monde World Selection since 1982”
Taste: 8.5 – It’s sweet but not sugary, oaky but not woody, and flavorful while still mellow. They’ve hit all the right buttons, and done a great job.
Aftertaste: 7.0 – You get a bit more caramel on the back following all of the waves of flavor from the previous taste, but it just sort of ends when you wanted it to keep going.
Burn/Smooth: 8.5 – This is one of the smoothest rums I’ve ever had.
Aroma: 8.0 – Wow. That is a very potent, and complex smell. You catch a lot of flavors, and it’s not something you can ignore. It’s also very pleasant.
Honesty: 8.0 – Not much wank, made by monks, nice looking bottle, has XXX in the name so you know it’s for adults.
Mixability: 7.5
W/ Rocks: 7.5 – It makes the taste a bit more powerful, but not as complex. If it’s what you want – fine, but I’d prefer this neat, and maybe a bit chilled. Or warm – mhmm.
Value: 8.0 – This costs less than Private Stock, and while that has a different taste to it, this is well worth the money.
Google Shop Average: $22
Website: http://www.mohanmeakin.com/home.php
Reviewer Scores:
BuffaloJern: 8.0
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Metric Score: 55.5/70 |+| Metric Average: 7.93 |+| Reviewer Average: 8.0
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Final Thoughts: I’d never thought I’d say this, but if you want some affordable, but amazing delicious rum – screw the Caribbean, head to India. My only thought is that some Monk’s were like – hey if we’re gonna drink, let’s at least do it right. And so they have.
