Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Blair Athol
★ 5.00
£450
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Blair Athol |
| Region | Island | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.4% | 58.4% |
| Age | 8 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £299 | £450 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is better value at £299 vs £450.
For beginners: Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£299 vs £450)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 8 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£450 vs £299)
- −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 Blair?
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017) 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 Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Only Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)