Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Glen Grant 29 Year Old 1988 (cask 9165) (Adelphi)

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

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)Glen Grant 29 Year Old 1988 (cask 9165) (Adelphi)
DistilleryTaliskerGlen Grant
RegionIslandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV59.4%56.3%
Age8 yr29 yr
Price£299£257
Rating5.00/5

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Glen Grant 29 Year Old 1988 (cask 9165) (Adelphi)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Grant 29 Year Old 1988 (cask 9165) (Adelphi)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glen Grant 29 Year Old 1988 (cask 9165) (Adelphi) is better value at £257 vs £299.

For beginners: Glen Grant 29 Year Old 1988 (cask 9165) (Adelphi) 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 £257)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glen Grant 29 Year Old 1988 (cask 9165) (Adelphi)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£257 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (29 vs 8 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 29 Year Old 1988 (cask 9165) (Adelphi) 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 29 Year Old 1988 (cask 9165) (Adelphi)

SherriedDried FruitChocolateHoneyOld Wood

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