Islay Single Malt 30 Year Old 1991 (Thompson Bros.) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Islay Single Malt 30 Year Old 1991 (Thompson Bros.)Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
DistilleryThompson Bros.Talisker
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49%59.4%
Age30 yr8 yr
Price£284.95£299
Rating5.00/5

Islay Single Malt 30 Year Old 1991 (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

Islay Single Malt 30 Year Old 1991 (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Islay Single Malt 30 Year Old 1991 (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £285 vs £299.

For beginners: Islay Single Malt 30 Year Old 1991 (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Islay Single Malt 30 Year Old 1991 (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£284.95 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 £284.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Islay?

Islay Single Malt 30 Year Old 1991 (Thompson Bros.) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

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

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinalOily

Only Islay Single Malt 30 Year Old 1991 (Thompson Bros.)

Old WoodLeathery

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

Kippery

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