Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 3651) (Limited) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 3651) (Limited)
Aberlour
£425
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 3651) (Limited) | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Aberlour | Talisker |
| Region | Speyside | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 42.4% | 59.4% |
| Age | 33 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £424.95 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 3651) (Limited)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 3651) (Limited)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
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 £425.
For beginners: Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 3651) (Limited) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 3651) (Limited)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 8 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£424.95 vs £299)
- −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 affordable (£299 vs £424.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Aberlour?
Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 3651) (Limited) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside 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
Only Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 3651) (Limited)
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)