Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Bowmore
★ 5.00
£295
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Bowmore |
| Region | Island | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.4% | 55.4% |
| Age | 8 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £299 | £294.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) is better value at £295 vs £299.
For beginners: Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) is more approachable (25/100 beginner score).
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £294.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£294.95 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.4%) — may need water
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 Bowmore?
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) 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
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Only Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Where to buy
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange