Side Burn Blended Malt 35 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Side Burn Blended Malt 35 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.)
Thompson Bros.
£229
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Side Burn Blended Malt 35 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.) | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Thompson Bros. | Talisker |
| Region | — | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51% | 59.4% |
| Age | 35 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £228.95 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Side Burn Blended Malt 35 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side Burn Blended Malt 35 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Side Burn Blended Malt 35 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £229 vs £299.
For beginners: Side Burn Blended Malt 35 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Side Burn Blended Malt 35 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£228.95 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (35 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (51%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £228.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Side?
Side Burn Blended Malt 35 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Who should buy Talisker?
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Tasting notes
Only Side Burn Blended Malt 35 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.)
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)