CRN57 30 Year Old Blended Malt vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
CRN57 30 Year Old Blended Malt
Gordon & MacPhail
£267
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| CRN57 30 Year Old Blended Malt | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Gordon & MacPhail | Talisker |
| Region | Other Scotch | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51.9% | 59.4% |
| Age | 30 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £266.5 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
CRN57 30 Year Old Blended Malt
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
CRN57 30 Year Old Blended Malt
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
CRN57 30 Year Old Blended Malt is better value at £267 vs £299.
For beginners: CRN57 30 Year Old Blended Malt is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
CRN57 30 Year Old Blended Malt
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£266.5 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 8 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (51.9%) — 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 £266.5)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy CRN57?
CRN57 30 Year Old Blended Malt 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 CRN57 30 Year Old Blended Malt
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)