Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Johnnie Walker Quest Blended Scotch Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299

Johnnie Walker Quest Blended Scotch Whisky
Johnnie Walker
£450
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | Johnnie Walker Quest Blended Scotch Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Johnnie Walker |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 59.4% | 40% |
| Age | 8 yr | NAS |
| Price | £299 | £450 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Johnnie Walker Quest Blended Scotch Whisky
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Johnnie Walker Quest Blended Scotch Whisky
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 £450.
For beginners: Johnnie Walker Quest Blended Scotch Whisky 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 affordable (£299 vs £450)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Johnnie Walker Quest Blended Scotch Whisky
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£450 vs £299)
- −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 Johnnie?
Johnnie Walker Quest Blended Scotch Whisky 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)
Only Johnnie Walker Quest Blended Scotch Whisky