Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch WhiskyTalisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
DistilleryBunnahabhainTalisker
RegionIsland
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%59.4%
AgeNAS8 yr
Price£350£299
Rating5.00/5

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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).

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is better value at £299 vs £350.

For beginners: Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£350 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 affordable (£299 vs £350)

Cons

  • High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Bunnahabhain?

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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

OilySmokey

Only Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Fresh FruitMalt Extract

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

KipperyMedicinal

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