Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Redbreast 21 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
Redbreast 21 Year Old
Redbreast
★ 4.55
£248
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | Redbreast 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Redbreast |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Pot Still |
| ABV | 59.4% | 46% |
| Age | 8 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £299 | £248 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.55/5 |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Redbreast 21 Year Old
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Redbreast 21 Year Old
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.55).
Redbreast 21 Year Old is better value at £248 vs £299.
For beginners: Redbreast 21 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £248)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Redbreast 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£248 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 8 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.6 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 Redbreast?
Redbreast 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Pot Still character.
Tasting notes
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Only Redbreast 21 Year Old