Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Old Rip Van Winkle
★ 4.07
£275
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Old Rip Van Winkle |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 59.4% | 45.2% |
| Age | 8 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £299 | £275 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.07/5 |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.07).
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old is better value at £275 vs £299.
For beginners: Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 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)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £275)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£275 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.1 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 Pappy?
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Only Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old