When it comes to Indian blended whiskies, a few names can achieve the cult-like status of Antiquity Blue. It's one of the few bottles that nearly every whisky lover in India has had at least once, at a college party, house party, family get-together, or just some casual sipping during the weekend. Over the years, Antiquity Blue has maintained a loyal fanbase not just for its availability but also for its unique taste profile and nostalgia.

In this in-depth review, I cover everything you need to know, including what Antiquity Blue is, how it is made, the Antiquity Blue price 750ml, the experience of drinking it, how to drink Antiquity Blue properly, how to even open the Antiquity Blue bottle (yes, many new people struggle to open it), and if it is worth getting in 2025.

Consider this a complete, honest, experience-based whisky guide, written for casual drinkers, curious beginners, and Indian whisky enthusiasts alike.

What Is Antiquity Blue? (A Quick Overview for New Drinkers)

Antiquity Blue is an Indian whisky blend made by United Spirits Limited (USL), which is owned by Diageo. As an Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), it is comprised of Indian grain spirits, matured malt whiskies, and some Scotch whiskey. 

If you were curious about the question "Antiquity Blue is made in which country?", the answer is quite straightforward.

 It is made in India, although it includes some Scotch, which comes from Scotland, as part of the blend.

The blend has an ABV of 42.8%, a conventional proof for Indian whiskies, and rests in imported oak casks that lend a depth of flavor plus a mild smokiness and expected sweetness. However, the first thing that you notice about Antiquity Blue is the bottle, a royal blue, triangular-shaped glass bottle, which has become iconic in recent years for some reason. It feels expensive, looks great on a shelf, and comes with just that hint of legacy.

Antiquity Blue Price 750ml: What You Can Expect in India

One of the biggest reasons behind the brand’s enduring popularity is its accessible pricing. While it’s positioned as a premium Indian whisky, the cost is still comfortable for most buyers.

Typical Antiquity Blue 750 ml Price in India:

₹900 to ₹1,200, depending on state taxes.

City-wise example:

• Delhi – Around ₹900
  
  
• Bengaluru – Typically higher due to excise tax
  
  
• Mumbai – Falls in the mid-range
  
  
• Kolkata – Prices vary depending on retail location and tax changes

Since many readers specifically search for Kolkata pricing, here’s a dedicated section:

Antiquity Blue 750ml Price in Kolkata

The price of Antiquity Blue in Kolkata or the price of Antiquity Blue 750 mL in Kolkata, on average, runs between ₹1,050 and ₹1,150, depending on the store and time of year.

West Bengal’s taxation system for alcohol maintains prices a little higher than Delhi, but is still reasonable when compared to other cities like Bangalore.

Note: The prices of alcohol frequently fluctuate due to state excise updates, holiday volume, and distributor differentials.

The Making of Antiquity Blue: Why It Tastes the Way It Does

To understand the drinking experience, it helps to look at how the whisky is made. Antiquity Blue is crafted from:

• Indian grain neutral spirit (GNS)
  
  
• Malt whisky (produced in India)
  
  
• A touch of Scotch whisky
  
  
• Aging in imported oak casks

This blend creates a whisky that is smooth, sweet, and approachable but also carries mild smoky and peaty nuances that appeal to Scotch drinkers.

The aging in oak barrels imparts:

• Honeyed sweetness
  
  
• Vanilla undertones
  
  
• Mild spices
  
  
• Woody warmth
  
  
• Light smoke
  
  

This is where Antiquity Blue often surprises beginners, because it offers a sensory profile that goes beyond what many Indian mass-market whiskies deliver.

My Detailed Antiquity Blue Whisky Review

Now let’s break down the full tasting experience, from the nose to the finish.

Appearance

In the glass, Antiquity Blue shows a rich amber-gold color, a typical hue for blended Indian whiskies aged in oak. It has good clarity and medium viscosity, indicating moderate body.

Aroma (Nose)

One of the first things you notice about Antiquity Blue is its aroma. It is surprisingly layered for a budget-friendly bottle.

You’ll find:

• Grassy, green notes
  
  
• Hints of peat smoke
  
  
• Touches of honeycomb
  
  
• Dark fruits like plum or raisin
  
  
• Slight oak dryness

This gives it a character that is a step above basic Indian whisky. The smoke is mild but present, making it appealing for drinkers transitioning from simple blends to slightly more complex profiles.

Taste (Palate)

The palate is where the whisky shows its strengths and limitations clearly.

Flavour Notes Include:

• Honey and caramel – Immediate sweetness
  
  
• Cinnamon warmth – Not spicy, but a gentle tingle
  
  
• Vanilla – From oak influence
  
  
• Dark chocolate – Soft cocoa-like richness
  
  
• Light smokiness – Mild but noticeable

The whisky begins sweet, develops into warmth, and finishes with a gentle cocoa bitterness. It has a medium finish, with a smooth mouthfeel, and is easy to drink. 

However, since it is a blended whisky that is made with a hefty GNS component, some whisky drinkers feel that the depth of flavor doesn't hold up quickly, and the middle palate doesn't have the same complex depth that you may find in malt-forward or fully imported whiskies.

Finish

The finish is:

• Medium to short
  
  
• Cooling and slightly minty
  
  
• With lingering cocoa notes
  
  
• A mellow sweetness

It doesn’t linger as long as a Scotch or a malt whisky, but it leaves a friendly aftertaste that most casual drinkers enjoy.

How to Drink Antiquity Blue (Based on Experience)

One of the most common search queries is how to drink Antiquity Blue whisky. There’s no single “correct” method, but some ways bring out the best in its flavor.

1. Neat (Recommended)

If you want to appreciate its complete aroma and layered sweetness:

• Pour 30–45 ml
  
  
• Let it rest for 15–20 seconds
  
  
• Take small sips

This reveals the honey, chocolate, and mild smoke beautifully.

2. With Water

A small splash of cold water (about 1/5th or 1/4th of your glass volume) helps:

• Reduce alcohol sharpness
  
  
• Open up subtle flavours
  
  
• Make it smoother
  

Avoid adding too much water, this can flatten the taste.

3. On the Rocks

This is where Antiquity Blue doesn’t perform at its best.

Ice tends to:

• Mute the aroma
  
  
• Make the spirit feel harsher
  
  
• Dilute the sweetness quickly

If you enjoy cold whisky, try using one large ice cube instead of multiple small ones.

4. In Cocktails

Antiquity Blue works surprisingly well as a base in mixed drinks.

Great pairing options include:

• Soda water (highball)
  
  
• Ginger ale (popular choice)
  
  
• Lemon soda
  
  
• Whisky + fresh lime + soda
  
  
• Simple Old Fashioned-inspired mixers

It holds up decently in cocktails, thanks to its caramel and chocolatey undertones.

How to Open Antiquity Blue Bottle (For Beginners)

Many new drinkers often ask, “How to open the Antiquity Blue bottle?” because its cap design can be confusing. Here’s how to do it:

1. The bottle has a plastic seal over the top.
   
   
2. Look for the small perforated strip.
   
   
3. Pull the strip sideways to tear open the seal.
   
   
4. Then twist the cap counterclockwise to open it.
   
   
5. Some bottles may have a metallic band, this is tamper-proof and remains fixed.

It is not a corked bottle; it uses a screw-cap mechanism.

Is Antiquity Blue Worth Buying? My Honest Take

Antiquity Blue is one of those whiskies that sits at the interesting intersection of affordability and mild premium character. Here’s the honest breakdown, without exaggeration and without unnecessary negativity.

What I Appreciated

• Smooth and approachable flavor
  
  
• Rich honey, caramel, and vanilla sweetness
  
  
• Light smokiness that adds depth
  
  
• Great bottle design
  
  
• Excellent value for money
  
  
• Versatile for sipping and cocktails
  
  
• Balanced profile that suits beginners well

Where It Falls Short

• Grain spirit weakens mid-palate richness
  
  
• Shorter finish than more malt-heavy whiskies
  
  
• Doesn’t perform well with ice
  
  
• Not ideal for drinkers seeking strong complexity

Best For:

• Casual drinkers
  
  
• Beginners exploring premium Indian whiskies
  
  
• Party or home-bar whisky
  
  
• People who prefer smooth, sweet, easy-drinking profiles
  
  
• Cocktail enthusiasts

Not Ideal For:

• Peat lovers
  
  
• Malt whisky purists
  
  
• Drinkers who want long finishes and layered depth

Overall, Antiquity Blue offers genuinely good value for its price point. It’s a sensible, budget-friendly, easygoing whisky that can fit multiple drinking styles, especially neat or with a splash of water.

Antiquity Blue vs Other Indian Whiskies (Quick Context)

While this isn’t a comparison review, it helps to understand where the whisky stands against rivals:

• Antiquity Blue is sweeter and somewhat smokier in comparison to Blenders Pride.
  
  
• It is richer and more nuanced than Royal Challenge.
  
  
• It is relatively smooth in comparison to Signature, though not as full-bodied.
  
  
• It was sweeter and less smoky in comparison to 100 Pipers.

This positions it squarely in the “sweet, smooth, slightly smoky” category.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Antiquity Blue 750ml in 2025?

If you want a whisky that:

• Is affordable
  
  
• Offers good flavour for the price
  
  
• Works neat or in cocktails
  
  
• Has a pleasant aroma and approachable taste

then Antiquity Blue is absolutely worth trying.

It’s not the most sophisticated whisky in the Indian marketplace, nor is it trying to be. What it is, is a nice, easy-to-drink, balanced, and pleasant experience at a price you'll find acceptable. For a lot of people, that’s what qualifies it as somewhat of a reliable option.

Whether you are having friends over, building a home bar, or just simply want a go-to drink for the weekend, Antiquity Blue will provide a very acceptable experience without taking too much money away from your wallet.

In summary: A solid, value-for-money, Indian whisky, best consumed neat or with a few drops of water.