Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Port Wood Finish - Fèis Ìle 2005

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

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Port Wood Finish - Fèis Ìle 2005
DistilleryTaliskerBunnahabhain
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV59.4%53.4%
Age8 yr12 yr
Price£299£350
Rating5.00/5

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Port Wood Finish - Fèis Ìle 2005

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Port Wood Finish - Fèis Ìle 2005

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is better value at £299 vs £350.

For beginners: Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Port Wood Finish - Fèis Ìle 2005 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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £350)

Cons

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

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Port Wood Finish - Fèis Ìle 2005

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£350 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Bunnahabhain?

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Port Wood Finish - Fèis Ìle 2005 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

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

KipperyMedicinalOily

Only Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Port Wood Finish - Fèis Ìle 2005

SherriedCooked FruitTobaccoLeathery

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