Old Monk Banned: Govt Banned Multiple Rum And Whiskey As They Failed In Laboratory Test

Govt has banned the sale of multiple rums and whiskies, including McDowell and Old Monk, as these companies failed in laboratory tests for non-conforming flavouring as per prescribed standards.

Post Published By: Syed Ziyauddin

Updated : 5 August 2026, 5:50 PM IST

Old monk banned, representative image

New Delhi: Multiple popular whiskey and rum brands such as Old Monk and McDowell’s are now missing from the bars and wine shops in India due to the prohibition on sales after failing laboratory tests for non-conforming flavouring as per prescribed standards.

The authorities issued a ban on sale order against these rum and whiskey products manufactured at units in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

As per a press release from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the recent notification of prohibition of sale of rum and whiskey covers products manufactured by M/s INBREW Beverages in Madhya Pradesh, M/s Associated Alcohol & Breweries in Madhya Pradesh, and M/s United Spirits in Madhya Pradesh.

List of spirits that are now banned

• The Legend
• Gold Reserve
• XXX Matured Rum
• McDowell’s No 1 Rum
• Bagpiper Deluxe Whiskey
• Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum
• Central Province Whiskey
• McDowells No. 1 Celebration matured XXX Rum
• Antiquity Blue Whiskey
• Royal Challenge Whiskey

The notification regarding the prohibition on sales of this alcoholic beverage says, "Few manufacturers are found to add flavour externally, which mimics the product’s inherent aroma and taste, and sell the same as a standard product, thereby misleading consumers."

However, the government said it had issued conditional revocation orders after two manufacturers appealed against the ban on sale.

Under the revised orders, the manufacturers have been allowed to sell the existing stocks provided they disclose the true nature of the product prominently on the front of the label.