Old Monk isn’t just any rum—it’s a legend. Launched in 1954 by Mohan Meakin in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, this dark rum quickly became a household name across India. Revered for its rich vanilla and caramel aroma, smooth 42.8% ABV, and nostalgic charm, it has held an iconic position in the hearts of generations. Despite having no formal advertising strategy, Old Monk’s popularity thrives on word-of-mouth, cultural references, and an economy that keeps it accessible .
Old Monk Price Table (2025) – City-wise Comparison
Old Monk is available in multiple variants and sizes, each catering to different tastes and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular ones, with current prices reflecting mid‑2025 market data:
| Variant | Size | Delhi | Mumbai | Bengaluru | Kolkata | Hyderabad | Chandigarh |
| Old Monk XXX Rum (Classic) | 750 ml | ₹610 | ₹760 | ₹780 | ₹550 | ₹720 | ₹520 |
| 375 ml | ₹310 | ₹280 | ₹360 | ₹280 | ₹340 | ₹260 | |
| 180 ml | ₹170 | ₹150 | ₹170 | ₹140 | ₹160 | ₹120 | |
| Old Monk Gold Reserve | 750 ml | ₹500 | ₹1020 | ₹890 | ₹440 | ₹920 | ₹480 |
| 375 ml | ₹250 | ₹510 | ₹450 | ₹220 | ₹460 | ₹240 | |
| 180 ml | ₹130 | ₹270 | ₹220 | ₹110 | ₹240 | ₹120 | |
| Old Monk The Legend | 750 ml | ₹740 | ₹1360 | ₹1250 | ₹680 | ₹1220 | ₹700 |
| 375 ml | ₹370 | ₹680 | ₹610 | ₹340 | ₹600 | ₹360 | |
| 180 ml | ₹185 | ₹340 | ₹310 | ₹170 | ₹300 | ₹180 | |
| Old Monk Supreme Rum | 750 ml | ₹550 | ₹950 | ₹890 | ₹490 | ₹870 | ₹520 |
| Old Monk White Rum | 750 ml | ₹500 | ₹820 | ₹780 | ₹420 | ₹760 | ₹480 |
| 375 ml | ₹250 | ₹410 | ₹390 | ₹210 | ₹370 | ₹240 | |
| 180 ml | ₹125 | ₹210 | ₹190 | ₹105 | ₹180 | ₹110 | |
| Old Monk Matured XXX Select VOV | 750 ml | ₹380 | ₹690 | ₹630 | ₹360 | ₹600 | ₹370 |
| 375 ml | ₹190 | ₹340 | ₹320 | ₹180 | ₹300 | ₹185 | |
| 180 ml | ₹95 | ₹170 | ₹150 | ₹90 | ₹140 | ₹95 |
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Why Old Monk Is So Cheap Compared to Other Rums?
Old Monk’s price tag has always been surprisingly low when compared to other premium dark rums. The reason lies in a combination of legacy manufacturing, minimal marketing costs, and strong distribution networks. Unlike newer brands that invest heavily in advertisements and endorsements, Old Monk relies on its cult-like following and word-of-mouth branding. Additionally, being produced in India at the historic Mohan Meakin distillery allows them to maintain scale and keep operational costs low. The result? A high-quality aged rum that tastes premium but is priced for the common man—something no imported rum can match in India.
Is Old Monk Available Outside India? Country-Wise Pricing Guide
Yes, Old Monk is available internationally in select countries where Indian liquor exports are permitted. In the United States, Old Monk 750ml can cost between $18 to $25, depending on state taxes and shipping fees. In the UK and Europe, it typically retails for €22–€30 per bottle. In Canada, where alcohol is heavily taxed, the same bottle may go for CAD 35–45. These prices are significantly higher than in India due to import duties, distributor margins, and limited availability. Nonetheless, Indian expatriates and rum lovers still hunt it down for the nostalgic taste and cultural connection.
International Pricing Snapshot
Old Monk is available abroad, though prices tend to be higher:
Premium variants like “The Legend” and “7‑Year” often retail between €30–34 (~₹2,700–3,100) in European markets
In the USA and Europe, typical prices per 750 ml bottle range from $16–25 (~₹1,300–2,300), dependent on import costs and retailer margins.
Why Old Monk Remains Affordable
- Production Legacy: Produced at Mohan Meakin’s Ghaziabad distillery, Old Monk benefits from legacy infrastructure minimizing production costs.
- Minimal Advertising: Reliance on brand loyalty and word-of-mouth eliminates hefty marketing budgets.
- Economies of Scale: High volume manufacturing has historically kept per-unit costs low, allowing competitive pricing.
- State-Level Price Caps: States like Haryana publicly fix MSPs instead of MRPs, keeping prices uniform and affordable .
Cultural Significance & Impact
Old Monk has embedded itself into Indian culture. It was the third-largest selling rum globally in 2013, with 8+ million cases sold. It received gold medals at Monde Selections and is celebrated in songs, movies, and casual banter as a timeless companion.
While it lost market leadership to McDowell’s No.1 Celebration rum after 2002, Old Monk still enjoys a loyal fan base and significant cultural relevance. Recent rumors of discontinuation have been dismissed by Mohan Meakin, reassuring that Old Monk remains firmly in production
Factors Influencing Price Variations
- State Excise Policies: Prices reflect varied state-specific excise duties. For example, ₹610 in Delhi vs ₹760 in Mumbai.
- Bottle Size Economies: Larger bottles (750 ml, 1 L) have better value-per-ml compared to smaller ones.
- Variant Premiums: Aged and specialty variants like ‘Legend’ or ‘Gold Reserve’ command higher prices.
- Import Costs Abroad: Taxes, shipping, and import duties inflate prices overseas.
- Retailer Markups: Local retailer strategies can add fluctuations by ₹20–50.
Buying Tips & Value Considerations
- Best Value (India): The staple XXX variant offers the best balance of taste and affordability.
- Budget-Friendly Sizes: 375 ml bottles are cost-effective for occasional drinkers; 180 ml nips are ideal for tasting or gifting.
- Premium Picks: For enthusiasts, try ‘The Legend’, ‘Gold Reserve’, or ‘Supreme’ for more depth and complexity.
- Keep It Local: Prices vary across states—shop around or check online excise/MSP updates.
- Overseas Buyers: Factor in customs regulations and taxes before purchasing abroad.
Old Monk Bottle Sizes and Their Price Differences Explained
Old Monk offers multiple bottle sizes, making it accessible to all kinds of consumers. The most common sizes are 750ml, 375ml, and 180ml. A 750ml bottle generally costs between ₹550–₹780 depending on the city. A 375ml bottle ranges from ₹250–₹360, while a 180ml “nip” is available for ₹120–₹170. Although smaller bottles seem cheaper upfront, they cost more per ml. For instance, a 180ml bottle in Mumbai at ₹150 works out to ₹0.83/ml, while the 750ml at ₹760 is ₹1.01/ml—yet offers better overall value with less packaging waste. Knowing the price difference by volume helps frequent buyers save money over time.
Where Can I Buy Old Monk Online in India Legally?
While offline liquor stores remain the primary source for Old Monk, several Indian states now permit legal alcohol sales through licensed online portals. In Delhi, platforms like Living Liquidz, Liquor Store Delhi, and the Delhi Excise Department e-portal allow verified sales. Similarly, Maharashtra permits online orders through licensed apps like HipBar and Spiritzone. It’s crucial to ensure the platform has state approval; buying from unlicensed e-commerce sites could lead to counterfeit products. Always cross-check the seller’s license and prefer government-tied or recognized delivery platforms to ensure authenticity and compliance.
Is Old Monk Price Increasing in 2025?
Yes, there has been a moderate increase in Old Monk prices in 2025 across most Indian cities. The rise is primarily due to inflation, increased excise duties in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana, and packaging cost hikes. For example, in 2023, a 750ml bottle in Mumbai cost ₹670, but in 2025, it’s now ₹760—a ₹90 rise in two years. Premium variants like “The Legend” and “Gold Reserve” have seen steeper hikes due to limited production and aging processes. However, despite these increases, Old Monk remains cheaper than most international and domestic rum brands in the same segment.
Government-Approved Old Monk Price List PDF (State-Wise)
Many state excise departments, like Haryana Excise, Delhi Excise, and Karnataka Excise, publish official monthly or quarterly price lists for liquor, including Old Monk. These PDFs are publicly accessible on the respective department websites and are useful for checking Minimum Support Price (MSP) or Maximum Retail Price (MRP). You can visit websites like delhiexcise.gov.in or haryanaexcise.gov.in to download the latest list. This ensures transparency and protects buyers from being overcharged. Some liquor store chains also offer downloadable price lists on their apps and websites, especially during festive seasons or excise updates.
Frequently Asked Questions about Old Monk Price
Q1. Is ₹550–650 a fair price for Old Monk XXX in 2025?
Yes. ₹550–650 for 750 ml aligns with India-wide prices (₹610 in Delhi, ₹760 in Mumbai).
Q2. Why does Mumbai cost ₹760 vs ₹610 in Delhi?
Because of state excise differences—Mumbai has higher local taxes, raising retail prices.
Q3. How does Old Monk compare price-wise to McDowell’s Celebration?
Typically, Celebration is slightly cheaper, but price differences can vary. Old Monk leans on value through legacy and loyal followers
Q4. Are smaller bottles more expensive per ml?
Yes. Small sizes like 180 ml have higher per‑ml cost compared to larger formats.
Q5. Does Old Monk cost more overseas?
Absolutely. In the USA and Europe, expect ₹1,300–2,300 for a 750 ml bottle due to import taxes and shipping.
Conclusion: The Price of Tradition
Old Monk remains a testament to affordable indulgence. With prices between ₹500–800 for 750 ml bottles in India, it offers unmatched quality, history, and smoothness. Its various variants cater to all tastes—from casual sipping to premium experiences. Although overs in urban areas may pay ₹200–300 more, the overall value remains unbeatable.
Whether you’re reliving childhood memories, exploring its allure for the first time, or savoring a specially aged variant, Old Monk delivers a slice of India’s cultural heritage—without breaking the bank.
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