8848 Vodka, produced by Yeti Distillery, is Nepal’s premier “luxury domestic” spirit that bridges the gap between budget local brands and expensive international imports. Named after the official height of Mount Everest, the vodka is crafted from imported soft French winter wheat and blended with pristine Himalayan spring water. Its award-winning quality, highlighted by a Gold Medal in 2022 and a Silver Medal in 2025 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, is the result of a rigorous five-time copper pot distillation and a proprietary silver and platinum carbon filtration process.
Free from additives like glycerin and sugar, the spirit maintains a clean 40% ABV profile, with 2026 prices ranging from NPR 420 for 180ml to NPR 3,500 for a 1L bottle. Beyond the original blend, the 2026 launch of the 8848 Rye Vodka, a collaboration with artist Tsherin Sherpa, marks a new milestone in Nepali distillation. Today, 8848 is a staple in rituals and modern celebrations alike, widely available across Kathmandu and Pokhara through burgeoning online alcohol delivery sites that offer same-day service.
The History of 8848 Vodka: A Rise to the Peak
The story of the 8848 vodka owner, Yeti Distillery, is one of bridging the gap between local heritage and global quality. Founded in 2003 (evolving from the 1970s-era Shankar Distillery), the 8848 vodka company identified a massive “missing middle” in the domestic market. For decades, Nepal’s vodka scene was polarized: you either settled for budget-friendly domestic brands like Highlander or paid a heavy premium for imports like Absolut.
Launched in 2015, mt 8848 vodka was designed to be a “luxury domestic” spirit. The goal was to create a liquid monument to Nepal’s most famous landmark. The brand’s history is marked by rapid milestones:
- 2015: Debut in the Nepali market, introducing high-end Russian filtration technology.
- 2022: Achieved international acclaim by winning the Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- 2025: Secured a Silver Medal at the same competition, proving its consistent quality.
- 2026: Launched the highly anticipated 8848 Rye Vodka in collaboration with contemporary artist Tsherin Sherpa, marking Nepal’s first-ever premium rye vodka.
By investing in copper pot stills and soft winter wheat, the 8848 vodka manufacturer shifted the narrative, proving that “Made in Nepal” could compete with the world’s best.
What Makes 8848 Vodka Different?
While Ruslan vodka has dominated the market since 1973, 8848 has carved its niche by offering a sophisticated alternative that resonates with modern Nepali identity.
The success lies in its strategic positioning. It doesn’t aim to be the cheapest, nor does it pretend to be an import. Instead, it offers a luxury experience at a competitive price for 8848 vodka. It provides the prestige of a top-tier spirit without the heavy price tag of a foreign bottle, making it the smart choice for hosts and gift-givers alike.
How 8848 Vodka Is Made: The Production Process
Understanding how 8848 is made explains its premium mouthfeel. Every step is intentional:
- French Winter Wheat: The grain spirits are distilled from soft French winter wheat, the same variety used by world-class European producers. This produces a cleaner, smoother distillate than corn or potato.
- Himalayan Spring Water: Pristine glacial water gives the vodka its distinct character. The mineral profile is naturally lower in sodium, resulting in a silkier finish.
- Five-Time Distillation: While mass-market vodkas stop at three, 8848 is distilled five times in copper pots to remove impurities.
- Silver & Platinum Filtration: Utilizing Innovative Russian technology, the spirit is filtered through specialized blocks to achieve its crystal-clear finish.
- Zero Additives: Unlike many brands that use glycerin or sugar to fake “smoothness,” 8848 is entirely additive-free.
8848 Vodka Price in Nepal, 2026 Updated Guide
8848 Vodka delivers nearly 90% of the quality of premium international brands at roughly half the cost. Here is the latest pricing across Nepal:
| Bottle Size | Price Range (NPR) | Best For |
| 180ml | NPR 420 – 675 | First-time buyers & travelers |
| 375ml (Half) | NPR 1,179 – 1,445 | Small gatherings & weekend drinks |
| 750ml | NPR 2,358 – 2,645 | Home bar staple & best-seller size |
| 1000ml (1L) | NPR 3,000 – 3,500 | Large celebrations & professional events |
Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and current festive promotions.
How Does 8848 Vodka Taste? An Honest Review
- Neat: Clean and smooth with almost no burn on entry. The French wheat base gives a faintly sweet, slightly creamy opening. Served chilled, it is genuinely sippable.
- On Ice: The cold temperature highlights the wheat base’s subtle sweetness while a large ice cube opens up the body.
- In Cocktails: This is 8848’s strongest territory. Its neutral-clean profile never fights with other ingredients. It works beautifully in citrus drinks and holds its own in complex mixes like a Bloody Mary.
- The 8848 Rye Vodka Experience: For those seeking more character, the new 8848 rye vodka offers a bolder profile with hints of black pepper and a dry, sophisticated finish.
5 Drinks to Make at Home Tonight
- 8848 Moscow Mule: 2 oz 8848 Vodka, 4 oz ginger beer, ½ oz fresh lime juice. The clean wheat profile lets the ginger shine.
2. Himalayan Vodka Soda: 2 oz 8848 Vodka, 4 oz sparkling water, squeeze of lime, pinch of Himalayan pink salt.
3. 8848 Bloody Mary: 2 oz 8848 Vodka, 4 oz tomato juice, lemon juice, and spices. A Kathmandu brunch essential.
4. Everest Lemon Drop: 2 oz 8848 Vodka, 1 oz lemon juice, ¾ oz simple syrup. Shake hard and serve in a sugar-rimmed glass.
5. 8848 Espresso Martini: 1.5 oz 8848 Vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz fresh espresso. The foam on top is best achieved with a vigorous shake.
Comparison: 8848 vs. Other Brands in Nepal
| Brand | Origin | ABV | 750ml Price (NPR) | Verdict |
| 8848 Vodka | Nepal | 40% | 1,350–2,100 | Best value premium |
| Ruslan Premium | Nepal | 40% | 2,260–2,380 | Market veteran |
| Highlander | Nepal | 40% | ~1,385 | Budget king |
| Absolut | Sweden | 40% | 3,500–4,500 | High-end import |
| Grey Goose | France | 40% | 6,000–8,000 | Ultra-luxury |
Who Is 8848 Vodka For?
- Young Professionals: Those in Kathmandu and Pokhara who want quality for home cocktail nights without the import price tag.
- Party Hosts: The 1L bottle offers the best value-per-milliliter in the premium domestic segment.
- Gift Buyers: The bottle design, inspired by Himalayan aesthetics, looks and feels premium enough for any occasion.
- Tourists: Visitors who want to take home a “Piece of Everest” in spirit form.
Where to Buy 8848 Vodka in Nepal?
8848 Vodka is widely available across the country:
- Kathmandu: Licensed stores in Thamel, Lazimpat, Jhamsikhel, and other stores in Kathmandu.
- Pokhara: Most shops around Lakeside and the main retail hubs.
- Online Delivery: The most convenient way to order is through liquor delivery sites, offering same-day delivery right to your doorstep.
Final Word
8848 Vodka is more than just a premium spirit; it’s a bold statement that Nepal can produce world-class quality by blending French grain with pure Himalayan water. Whether you’re sipping it neat or exploring the sophisticated profile of the new 8848 rye vodka, it has rightfully earned its title as the “Spirit of Nepal.” This excellence is deeply rooted in our heritage, which you can explore further in our piece on Liquor in Nepali Culture: Rituals, Traditions & Giftings.
What truly sets it apart is the balance of international gold-medal standards and a competitive 8848 vodka price that fits any celebration. Plus, with the growth of liquor delivery sites, premium quality is now just a tap away. Whether it’s a Friday night in the city or a traditional gathering, 8848 deserves a spot in your glass. Skip the store and order 8848 Vodka for the most reliable liquor delivery in Nepal, straight to your door!
Author: Anisha Bhandari
Updated on: 5th May, 2026