8 PM Grain Blended Whisky 750ML

8 PM Grain Blended Whisky 750ML is a grain-based Indian blended whisky bottled at 42.8% ABV in a 750ml format, produced by Radico Khaitan Ltd. The brand made history in 2001 as the first Indian liquor brand entered into the Limca Book of Records after surpassing one million cases sold within its debut year.

Quick Facts: ABV: 42.8%  |  Origin: India  |  Style: Grain Blended Whisky  |  Distillery: Radico Khaitan Ltd

Production & Heritage

Radico Khaitan Ltd, one of India's oldest and largest spirits producers, has been manufacturing alcoholic beverages since 1943. The grain blended expression of 8 PM is produced from a blend of malted barley and other quality grains — an important distinction, as the grain-based formulation is specifically produced for export markets outside India. This sets it apart from the domestic Indian version, which relies on a molasses-based spirit. The result is a lighter, more internationally styled blended whisky.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with caramel sweetness, followed by warm oak and a gentle thread of vanilla. The overall impression is inviting and approachable, without any harsh grain character.

Taste: The entry is soft and mild, with sweet toffee arriving first on the palate. Mid-palate brings dried fruit notes and a light touch of spice, while the body remains medium-weight with a slightly sweet character. A hint of fruitiness develops as the whisky sits on the tongue.

Finish: The finish is moderate in length with a gentle warmth that fades cleanly. Lingering sweetness and a trace of dried fruit round out the experience without overstaying.

How to Drink 8 PM

Given its smooth, mild profile and medium body, 8 PM Grain Blended works well on the rocks or with a splash of water, which opens up the caramel and vanilla notes slightly. Its accessible flavor profile also makes it a straightforward mixing whisky.

• Whisky Highball: The light body and toffee sweetness pair naturally with chilled soda water and a lemon twist for an easy long drink.
• Whisky Sour: The inherent sweetness balances well against fresh citrus juice and a touch of simple syrup.
• Old Fashioned: A dash of Angostura bitters and an orange peel accent the caramel and dried fruit character already present in the whisky.

Best For

• Everyday sipping for fans of smooth, easy-drinking Indian whisky
• Mixing straightforward whisky highballs and cocktails at home
• Introducing new whisky drinkers to grain-based blended styles
• Casual gatherings where approachability matters more than complexity

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 8 PM taste like? 8 PM Grain Blended Whisky has a smooth, mildly sweet profile dominated by toffee, caramel, and dried fruit flavors with a light touch of spice. It is medium-bodied with a gentle warmth and clean finish.

How does 8 PM compare to Imperial Blue? Both are popular Indian blended whiskies positioned in a similar accessible price tier, and they share a smooth, easy-drinking character with mild sweetness. 8 PM's grain blended export formulation uses malted barley and grains rather than molasses, which can lend a slightly different flavor structure compared to Imperial Blue's standard blend.

Is 8 PM good for beginners? Yes — its soft, approachable flavor profile and lack of aggressive heat make it a reasonable entry point for those new to whisky, especially served on the rocks or in a highball.

Where is 8 PM made? 8 PM is produced in India by Radico Khaitan Ltd, a major Indian spirits company founded in 1943. The grain blended expression is specifically formulated for markets outside India using a blend of malted barley and grains.

What foods pair well with 8 PM? Mildly spiced grilled chicken complements its toffee sweetness; butter naan and dal work alongside its soft warmth; roasted cashews echo its light nutty undertones; dark chocolate brings out the dried fruit notes; and mild cheddar cheese balances its caramel character.

What sizes does 8 PM come in? The standard and most widely available size is the 750ml bottle, which is the expression reviewed here.

Is 8 PM worth the price? 8 PM positions squarely as an entry-level blended whisky, and at that tier it delivers a clean, smooth grain-based spirit without obvious flaws — solid value for mixing and casual sipping rather than contemplative neat pours.

Why 8 PM?

The strongest differentiator for 8 PM Grain Blended is its production story: the export formulation is built on actual grain spirit — malted barley and other grains — rather than the molasses base common in many Indian whiskies sold domestically. That distinction gives it a profile that sits closer to what international drinkers expect from the word "whisky" on a label. Its record-breaking debut, documented in the 2001 Limca Book of Records for crossing one million cases in its first year, speaks to its immediate resonance with the Indian market. For drinkers seeking an accessible, no-fuss Indian grain blend at a competitive price point, 8 PM fills the role with an honest, straightforward pour.