Old Monk Price in Bangalore – 2026
Bangalore (Bengaluru) has a vibrant pub culture, and Old Monk is a staple. Karnataka has high excise taxes, making liquor more expensive than in many other states.
Liquor Policy & Trends
Karnataka State Beverages Corporation Ltd (KSBCL) controls the distribution. The state levies heavy excise duties and additional cess, contributing to higher MRPs.
Current Market Rates
Variant wise price list for Bangalore (Updated April 2026)
| Variant | 90ml | 180ml | 375ml | 750ml | 1000ml |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Monk XXX Rum | ~₹80 | ~₹160 | ~₹380 | ~₹765 | ~₹1030 |
| Old Monk Gold Reserve | — | — | — | ~₹960 | — |
| Old Monk Supreme | — | — | — | ~₹1250 | — |
| Old Monk Amber Mellow & Matured Rum | — | — | — | ~₹1720 | — |
Old Monk XXX Rum
Old Monk Gold Reserve
Old Monk Supreme
Old Monk Amber Mellow & Matured Rum
Prices are subject to change based on latest excise duties and shop location.
Drinking Culture in Bangalore
Bangalore's pub culture is India's most developed, and Old Monk occupies a special place in it. The city — often called the "Pub Capital of India" — has over 1,500 licensed bars and restaurants, many of which feature Old Monk-based cocktails on their specialty menus. The IT corridors of Whitefield, Electronic City, and Manyata Tech Park create a massive after-work drinking demographic. Weekend evenings on Brigade Road, Church Street, and Indiranagar's 12th Main bring out crowds where Old Monk is among the most-ordered spirits. Bangalore's pleasant year-round climate (average 24°C) makes it suitable for drinking across all seasons, unlike North Indian cities where rum consumption peaks in winter. The city's large student population — drawn by institutions like IISc, IIM Bangalore, and Christ University — ensures a steady pipeline of new Old Monk enthusiasts. Local microbreweries have even experimented with Old Monk-infused craft beers and rum-based cocktail menus. The Kannada film industry ("Sandalwood") has also contributed to rum's cultural cachet, with several films referencing Old Monk in storylines about friendship and nostalgia.
Liquor Regulations & Price Trends
Excise Policy & Regulations in Bangalore
Karnataka's liquor regulation is managed through the Karnataka State Beverages Corporation Limited (KSBCL) and the Karnataka Excise Department. The state has one of the most complex tax structures for alcohol in India, resulting in some of the highest street prices. The legal drinking age is 21 years. KSBCL acts as the sole wholesale distributor — all liquor must pass through its depots before reaching retail. Retail is divided into MRP shops (government-authorized fixed-price outlets), CL-2 shops (for cheaper country liquor), and bars/restaurants with various license tiers. Karnataka imposes excise duty based on the "issue price" set by KSBCL, plus additional cess for social welfare, infrastructure, and education. The state also charges a "special fee" that has been revised upward multiple times. Operating hours for retail outlets are 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Dry days include Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti, and all election days. The state has around 18-20 dry days annually.
Price Trends & Analysis
Bangalore is one of the pricier cities for Old Monk in India, with the 750ml XXX priced at approximately ₹765. This is about 15% higher than Delhi and 250% higher than Goa. The high price is a direct result of Karnataka's multi-layered taxation: excise duty (25-30% of assessed value), additional excise duty, education cess, and infrastructure cess all stack up. Over the past three years, prices have increased by approximately 12-15%, with the most significant jump occurring during the 2024-25 state budget when the government raised the special fee on IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor) by 10%. Despite the high prices, demand in Bangalore remains robust due to the city's young, high-earning demographic. Old Monk continues to outsell most Indian rum competitors in Karnataka.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Monk legal in Bangalore?
Yes, it is fully legal and available across MRP outlets (MRP shops) and bars in Bangalore.
Why price differs from other cities?
Karnataka has one of the highest liquor tax rates in India, significantly impacting the final retail price.
Is price same in all liquor shops?
Retail shops must sell at MRP. However, bars and pubs will charge a premium for service and ambiance.
User Reviews
What people are saying about Old Monk in Bangalore
Raj
"Best of all!"
Ananya Iyer
"Perfect for Bangalore weather. Goes great with local bar snacks. The 750ml XXX Rum bottle is always dependable."
Vikram Reddy
"Good rum, but the prices in Bangalore have gone up recently. Still, nothing beats the nostalgia of Old Monk."
Check Prices in Other Cities
Compare Old Monk rates across different states