Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 2009 Port Pipe (bottled 2013) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 2009 Port Pipe (bottled 2013)Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
DistilleryIchiroTalisker
RegionIsland
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.5%59.4%
AgeNAS8 yr
Price£397.81£299
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 2009 Port Pipe (bottled 2013)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value13/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 2009 Port Pipe (bottled 2013)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is better value at £299 vs £398.

For beginners: Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 2009 Port Pipe (bottled 2013) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 2009 Port Pipe (bottled 2013)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£397.81 vs £299)
  • 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
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £397.81)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Who should buy Ichiro's?

Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 2009 Port Pipe (bottled 2013) 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.

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 Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 2009 Port Pipe (bottled 2013)

Cooked FruitFresh FruitSherriedChocolate

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

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