Imperial Blue
Imperial Blue is a popular and affordable Indian blended whisky, known for its smooth taste and easy drinkability. It combines Indian grain spirits with imported Scotch malts.
Imperial Blue, often abbreviated as IB, is a widely recognized brand of Indian whisky launched in 1997 and owned by Pernod Ricard India. It holds a significant market share in its segment due to its consistent quality, smoothness, and accessible price point. The whisky is a blend, carefully mixing select Indian grain spirits (often derived from molasses or grain) with a proportion of imported Scotch malts to achieve its characteristic profile. Marketed heavily with the tagline "Men will be Men," it targets consumers looking for a reliable and smooth whisky experience without a premium price tag. It's positioned as an everyday whisky, suitable for casual gatherings and straightforward enjoyment.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Generally light, with grain-forward notes, hints of sweetness (like caramel or vanilla), and a subtle touch of fruitiness or smokiness from the malt component. Not overly complex.
Palate: Known for its smoothness and lightness on the palate. Mild sweetness, grainy character, sometimes a very subtle hint of oak or smoke. Easy to drink, without strong or aggressive flavors.
Recognition
Massive Sales Volume: Consistently ranks as a top-selling whisky brand globally.
Brand Popularity: High brand recall and popularity within its target market in India.
Food Pairings
Snacks: Peanuts, Masala Papad, Pakoras, Samosas, Kebabs (Chicken Tikka, Seekh Kebab).
Serving Suggestions
Neat: Served straight in a whisky glass at room temperature.
On the Rocks: Served over ice cubes.
With Water: A splash of water can open up some subtle flavours.
With Mixers: Very popular with mixers like:
Cola (Whisky Cola)
Soda Water / Club Soda (Whisky Soda)
Lemonade
Ginger Ale
Interesting Facts
Market Leader: Imperial Blue is one of the best-selling whiskies in India and often ranks among the top-selling whiskies globally by volume.
"Men will be Men" Campaign: Known for its long-running and iconic advertising campaign featuring humorous situations highlighting stereotypical male behaviour.