{
  "id": 5999711,
  "title": "'My life is a lie': Old Monk isn't 'rum'? Why FSSAI's claim has left drinkers stunned",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/my-life-is-a-lie-old-monk-isnt-rum-why-fssais-claim-has-left-drinkers",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-06T16:01:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Mint",
    "slug": "live-mint",
    "url": "https://www.livemint.com/news/india/my-life-is-a-lie-old-monk-isnt-rum-why-fssais-claim-has-left-drinkers-stunned-11788709031401.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "For decades, Old Monk has been widely perceived as rum by its drinkers. However, India's Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently challenged the classification of this popular alcoholic beverage. According to FSSAI's counsel, the disputed product cannot be marketed as rum because it is made with neutral spirit and flavored with rum. The regulator's objection extends beyond the product's labeling and concerns the essence of the beverage itself. FSSAI's counsel stated that the product should be described as a \"rum-flavored spirit\" instead. This revelation has left drinkers questioning the authenticity of their first rum experiences. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines rum as an alcoholic beverage distilled from a fermented cane product, like molasses. For the Romantic poet Lord Byron, rum symbolized a calming spirit and true religion. The current dispute revolves around whether a product containing neutral spirit and added rum flavor can legally be sold as rum in India. The author who first tasted Old Monk during college years is now left to ponder the truth behind his cherished memory. Social media users share the same disbelief as they grapple with the implications of FSSAI's assertion. The dispute extends beyond the label, with FSSAI's lab tests revealing artificial or nature-identical flavoring substances in the product, which mask its natural characteristics. The regulator cited the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018, which require standardised alcoholic beverages to maintain their characteristic taste and aroma. Consequently, FSSAI prohibited the sale of particular variants of Old Monk rum, McDowell's No. 1 Rum, Antiquity Blue Whisky, Royal Challenge Whisky, Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky, and Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum. The case is part of a larger issue involving alcoholic beverages and FSSAI's objections to added flavorings.",
  "summary": "FSSAI told the Bombay HC that Old Monk cannot be sold as rum as it is made using neutral spirit and rum flavouring. The regulator said it can instead be called a rum-flavoured spirit, leaving generations of Old Monk drinkers questioning everything.",
  "key_points": [
    "FSSAI challenges Old Monk's classification as rum.",
    "Product contains neutral spirit and flavored with rum.",
    "FSSAI prohibits sale of certain Old Monk variants."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}