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)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299

Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky - 'Gorilla'
Monkey Shoulder
★ 4.64
£301
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky - 'Gorilla' | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Monkey Shoulder |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 59.4% | 40% |
| Age | 8 yr | NAS |
| Price | £299 | £300.65 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.64/5 |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky - 'Gorilla'
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky - 'Gorilla'
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)
Only Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky - 'Gorilla'