8 PM whisky was launched in 1997 by Radico Khaitan (then Rampur Distillery) and became a millionaire brand within one year — a record in Indian spirits history recognised in the Limca Book of Records. The name was chosen because 'people usually start drinking at 8 PM' in India. The TV advert — depicting opposing soldiers bonding at an international border — became iconic. 8 PM Premium Black is the premium expression, presented in a distinctive crystal-studded bottle. It won the Gold Quality Award from Monde Selection in 2025 and sold 9.6 million cases in 2024. A new packaging design was unveiled in 2024 to boost the brand's recovery after a 20.8% volume decline that year.
8 PM Premium Black Whisky
The original millionaire brand. Radico's flagship since 1997.
Radico Khaitan
Distillery
India
Country
42.80%
ABV
Price in India · 750ml
Delhi
₹600
Mumbai
₹520
Goa
₹510
Karnataka
₹720
Uttar Pradesh
Est. 1997
42.80% ABV
Tasting Notes
Colour & Appearance
Deep amber with rich golden tones, presented in a premium crystal-studded bottle
Nose & Aroma
Fruity and sweet with a delicate peaty note. Cinnamon, citrus, and honey with a clean spirit base
Palate & Taste
Fuller and more structured than the standard 8 PM expression. Cinnamon warmth, citrus freshness, and honey mid-palate. The Monde Selection Gold Award reflects genuine quality improvement over the entry expression
Finish
Moderate and clean with lingering cinnamon and a dry close
History & Background
Production & Maturation
Production Method
A blend of Indian grain spirits and Scotch malts, produced at Radico Khaitan's Rampur Distillery in Uttar Pradesh. Premium Black uses higher-quality components than the standard 8 PM expression.
Aging & Maturation
The Scotch malt components are aged before blending. 8 PM Premium Black uses a more refined blending process than the standard expression.
Distillery
Radico Khaitan
Founded
1997
8 PM Premium Black Whisky Price Guide 2026
Prices are indicative and may vary by retailer, store, and current stock.
Last verified: September 2026.
India Prices
Delhi
₹600
Mumbai
₹520
Goa
₹510
Karnataka
₹720
Tamil Nadu
₹830
Kerala
₹850
Haryana
₹540
Telangana
₹670
Uttar Pradesh
₹580
About These Prices
- Prices are indicative, not quotations. They are compiled from publicly available retail listings and state excise price lists, and are provided for reference only.
- Alcohol pricing in India is set state by state. Excise duty, VAT and retail margins differ in every state and union territory, so the same bottle can vary by 40% or more between Goa and Kerala. Always check the price where you are buying.
- Prices change without notice. State excise policies are typically revised annually, and retailers may price above or below the listed MRP depending on stock and demand. The figures above were last reviewed in September 2026.
- We do not sell alcohol. The Spirit Atlas is an independent reference site. We take no orders, hold no stock, and have no commercial relationship with the distilleries or retailers documented here. Nothing on this page is an offer to sell.
- Tasting notes and ratings are editorial opinion. They reflect the reviewer's assessment and are not endorsed by the producer.
- For readers of legal drinking age. The legal drinking age in India varies by state, from 18 to 25. Please respect your local law and drink responsibly.
Spotted a price that looks wrong? Tell us and we will re-check it.
Cocktail Recipes with 8 PM Premium Black Whisky
8PM Black Whisky Smash
Easy
Ingredients
·
60ml 8PM Premium Black Whisky
·
20ml fresh lemon juice
·
10ml simple syrup
·
4 fresh mint leaves
Method
1. Muddle mint with simple syrup in a shaker.
2. Add whisky, lemon juice, and ice.
3. Shake for 10 seconds.
4. Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
5. Garnish with mint sprig.
Garnish
Mint sprig
🥂 Serve in: Rocks glass
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 8 PM Premium Black and who makes it?
8 PM Premium Black is a premium expression of Radico Khaitan's flagship 8 PM whisky brand. The original 8 PM was launched in 1997 and became a millionaire brand in one year — a Limca Book of Records achievement. Premium Black is the upgraded expression, presented in a crystal-studded bottle, and won the Monde Selection Gold Quality Award in 2025. Radico Khaitan produces it at their Rampur Distillery in Uttar Pradesh.
What is the price of 8 PM Premium Black in India?
8 PM Premium Black is priced at approximately Rs 650 in Delhi, Rs 800 in Mumbai, Rs 580 in Goa, and Rs 900 in Karnataka for a 750ml bottle. The standard 8 PM is priced lower at Rs 420-600. Available in 180ml, 375ml, and 750ml formats.
What does 8 PM Premium Black taste like?
8 PM Premium Black has a fruity and sweet aroma with a delicate peaty note — more character than most Indian blends in its price range. The taste brings cinnamon, citrus, and honey with a moderate structured finish. The Monde Selection Gold Award reflects genuine quality. It is noticeably more complex than Royal Stag at a similar price and one of the stronger value options in the Rs 600-900 tier.
Why did 8 PM volume decline in 2024?
8 PM brand volume fell 20.8% in 2024 after four years of growth. The most likely cause is competition from faster-growing brands in the semi-premium segment — particularly ICONiQ White and Royal Green — which offer modern branding at similar prices. Radico Khaitan responded with a new packaging design for Premium Black in 2024 to refresh the brand's visual appeal.
Is 8 PM Premium Black better than the standard 8 PM?
Yes, meaningfully so. Standard 8 PM is a budget-tier IMFL without significant complexity. Premium Black uses higher-quality blending components and has real cinnamon, citrus, and honey character. The crystal-studded bottle and Monde Selection Gold Award position it clearly as a premium product. The price difference (Rs 150-200 more per 750ml) is justified by the quality improvement.
What bottle sizes does 8 PM Premium Black come in?
8 PM Premium Black is available in 180ml, 375ml, and 750ml formats. The standard 8 PM also comes in a 90ml format for budget segment reach. The Premium Black focuses on the mid-size and standard bottle formats aligned with its semi-premium positioning.
How does 8 PM Premium Black compare to ICONiQ White at a similar price?
ICONiQ White is smoother and more creamy-vanilla in character from its bourbon oak cask-aged Scotch malt. 8 PM Premium Black has more spice — cinnamon, a faint peat note, and citrus — giving it a different flavour direction. ICONiQ White is better for neat sipping or light highballs; 8 PM Premium Black has a more assertive character that holds up better with heavier Indian food pairings.
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About the Author
Shivam Sharma
I am the founder and editor of The Spirit Atlas. With a deep appreciation for fine spirits, I built this platform to be the most helpful and honest spirits guide for Indian readers — covering everything from Scotch and Indian single malts to rum, gin and tequila, along with prices across every major Indian state. My goal is simple: to make the world of spirits a little more approachable for everyone.
Website
Last updated:
September 2026
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Quick Facts
Name
8 PM Premium Black Whisky
Category
Whisky
Type
IMFL Whisky
Country
India
Region
Uttar Pradesh
Distillery
Radico Khaitan
ABV
42.80%
Founded
1997
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