Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Glen Grant 28 Year Old 1994 (cask 23397) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

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

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)Glen Grant 28 Year Old 1994 (cask 23397) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)
DistilleryTaliskerGlen Grant
RegionIslandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV59.4%56.3%
Age8 yr28 yr
Price£299£269.23
Rating5.00/5

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Glen Grant 28 Year Old 1994 (cask 23397) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Grant 28 Year Old 1994 (cask 23397) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glen Grant 28 Year Old 1994 (cask 23397) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) is better value at £269 vs £299.

For beginners: Glen Grant 28 Year Old 1994 (cask 23397) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) is more approachable (50/100 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £269.23)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glen Grant 28 Year Old 1994 (cask 23397) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£269.23 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.3%) — may need water
  • 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 Glen?

Glen Grant 28 Year Old 1994 (cask 23397) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

Only Glen Grant 28 Year Old 1994 (cask 23397) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

VanillaOld WoodHoneyToastedChocolate

Explore more