Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Blanton's Special Reserve
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
Blanton's Special Reserve
Blanton's
★ 4.38
£250
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | Blanton's Special Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Blanton's |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 59.4% | 40% |
| Age | 8 yr | NAS |
| Price | £299 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.38/5 |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Blanton's Special Reserve
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Blanton's Special Reserve
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.38).
Blanton's Special Reserve is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Blanton's Special Reserve is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £250)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Blanton's Special Reserve
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.4 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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.
Who should buy Blanton's?
Blanton's Special Reserve is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Only Blanton's Special Reserve