An ode to Old Monk

July 13, 2015 11:38

Before Old Monk, there was Hercules rum that was distilled exclusively for the armed forces. In the 1960s the navy canteen in Bombay sold it as rations to sailors at Rs 8 a bottle. Much of it ended up with bootleggers who sold it to us at Rs 25 a bottle. If you find the price astonishing, please remember that fifty years ago anyone with a monthly salary of a thousand rupees was doing quite well. I used to buy my bottle from my chemist in Colaba who moonlighted as a bootlegger.

As sales dip for the old favourite Old Monk, a dirge. Read

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

SIT won't go abroad to bring Prajwal Revanna back: Karnataka HM

He also cautioned political leaders about making public statements or sharing information in connection with the case, which is sensitive.

Deeksha sets new Indian record at LA athletics meet

Indian track athlete K M Deeksha set a new National record in the women's 1500 metres while Avinash Sable finished second in the men's 5000m event at the Sound Running Track Fest in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Praggnanandhaa overcomes Carlsen in Superbet chess

With nine rounds still to come in the blitz event, Wei Yi has amassed 20.5 points with seven wins on the first day of blitz. Ending the day with 7.5 out of a possible nine, Yi, seems like a man possessed and unless a hurricane hits him,...

KKR's Ramandeep fined for Level 1 offence

Kolkata Knight Riders medium pacer Ramandeep Singh was fined 20 per cent of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during the match against Mumbai Indians at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday.

Gujarat Titans in must-win battle vs in-form KKR

Shubman Gill's return to form will provide a big boost to Gujarat Titans as they square off against table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders in their must-win IPL game in Ahmedabad on Monday.