Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Normandin-Mercier Medaillee Cognac / Petite Champagne

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

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)Normandin-Mercier Medaillee Cognac / Petite Champagne
DistilleryTaliskerNormandin-Mercier
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV59.4%40%
Age8 yrNAS
Price£299£352
Rating5.00/5

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Normandin-Mercier Medaillee Cognac / Petite Champagne

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Normandin-Mercier Medaillee Cognac / Petite Champagne

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £352.

For beginners: Normandin-Mercier Medaillee Cognac / Petite Champagne is more approachable (70/100 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 £352)

Cons

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

Normandin-Mercier Medaillee Cognac / Petite Champagne

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£352 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 Normandin-Mercier?

Normandin-Mercier Medaillee Cognac / Petite Champagne suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

Only Normandin-Mercier Medaillee Cognac / Petite Champagne

Dried FruitHoneyToastedCitric

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