Creator of Old Monk rum Kapil Mohan passes away at 88

The Managing Director and Chairman of Mohan Meakin Ltd Kapil Mohan, the company which makes the most famous rum Old Monk among other alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages, passed away on Saturday 6th January 2018 at the age of 88. The reason behind this death is believed to be a cardiac arrest. He wasn’t well for quite some time. He took his last breath in Mohan Nagar Area in Ghaziabad. His last rites were reportedly performed on January 7. Kapil Mohan took charge of the Dyer Meakin Breweries and gave the company an entirely new look.


Old Monk was launched On December 19, 1954. Post the launch the company developed three distilleries, two breweries and a wide range of new franchises across the country. One of the cheapest rums being sold in India, Old Monk is brewed in the Himalayas by Mohan Meakin. The company has, over the years, spread itself into various businesses including malt houses, breakfast food, fruit products and juices. It is interesting to note that the man who is believed to have been the brain behind the Old Monk, Solan No 1 and Golden Eagle was himself a teetotaler. Mohan once famously said that he will not advertise as long as he is at the helm of affairs of the company.


Old Monk was one of the best selling rums in the whole world and it is the biggest Indian Made Foreign Alcohol brand for a long time. However, between 2010 and 2014, there was a decline of over 50% in its sales.


Apparently, Mohan Meakin sold only 3.9 million cases of the rum in 2014 which were a quarter of what they were in the 1960s, due to which there were rumours that the company might be selling liquor off the markets. Currently, Mohan Meakin Ltd is a multi-faceted business house with a turnover exceeding Rs 400 crore.