Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Derestricted vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Derestricted
Braeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet)
★ 5.00
£290
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Derestricted | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Braeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet) | Talisker |
| Region | Speyside | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.4% | 59.4% |
| Age | 30 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £289.95 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Derestricted
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Derestricted
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Derestricted is better value at £290 vs £299.
For beginners: Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Derestricted is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Derestricted
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£289.95 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 8 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £289.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Braes?
Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Derestricted 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 Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Derestricted
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)