Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky - 'Gorilla'

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

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky - 'Gorilla'
DistilleryTaliskerMonkey Shoulder
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV59.4%40%
Age8 yrNAS
Price£299£300.65
Rating5.00/54.64/5

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky - 'Gorilla'

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner70/100
Value15/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky - 'Gorilla'

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.64).

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is better value at £299 vs £301.

For beginners: Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky - 'Gorilla' is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

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 £300.65)

Cons

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

Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky - 'Gorilla'

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£300.65 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (4.6 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 Monkey?

Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky - 'Gorilla' suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

Only Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky - 'Gorilla'

VanillaHoneyFresh FruitToasted

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