Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Miyagikyo 12 Year Old

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

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)Miyagikyo 12 Year Old
DistilleryTaliskerMiyagikyo
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV59.4%45%
Age8 yr12 yr
Price£299£399
Rating5.00/54.50/5

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Miyagikyo 12 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value11/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Miyagikyo 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is better value at £299 vs £399.

For beginners: Miyagikyo 12 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 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 £399)

Cons

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

Miyagikyo 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (4.5 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 Miyagikyo?

Miyagikyo 12 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

Only Miyagikyo 12 Year Old

Malt ExtractHoneyToastedVanilla

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