Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Montebello 1998 / 23 Year Old / Guadeloupe / Edition #1 / Colours of Rum

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

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)Montebello 1998 / 23 Year Old / Guadeloupe / Edition #1 / Colours of Rum
DistilleryTaliskerMontebello
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV59.4%40%
Age8 yrNAS
Price£299£286
Rating5.00/5

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Montebello 1998 / 23 Year Old / Guadeloupe / Edition #1 / Colours of Rum

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Montebello 1998 / 23 Year Old / Guadeloupe / Edition #1 / Colours of Rum

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Montebello 1998 / 23 Year Old / Guadeloupe / Edition #1 / Colours of Rum is better value at £286 vs £299.

For beginners: Montebello 1998 / 23 Year Old / Guadeloupe / Edition #1 / Colours of Rum is more approachable (85/100 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £286)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Montebello 1998 / 23 Year Old / Guadeloupe / Edition #1 / Colours of Rum

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£286 vs £299)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Montebello?

Montebello 1998 / 23 Year Old / Guadeloupe / Edition #1 / Colours of Rum 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)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

Only Montebello 1998 / 23 Year Old / Guadeloupe / Edition #1 / Colours of Rum

Cooked FruitHoneyVanillaOld Wood

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