Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Old Pulteney 20 Year Old 1982 Bourbon Cask

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

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)Old Pulteney 20 Year Old 1982 Bourbon Cask
DistilleryTaliskerPulteney
RegionIslandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV59.4%46%
Age8 yr20 yr
Price£299£399
Rating5.00/5

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Old Pulteney 20 Year Old 1982 Bourbon Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Old Pulteney 20 Year Old 1982 Bourbon Cask

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 £399.

For beginners: Old Pulteney 20 Year Old 1982 Bourbon Cask is more approachable (60/100 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 £399)

Cons

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

Old Pulteney 20 Year Old 1982 Bourbon Cask

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 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 Old?

Old Pulteney 20 Year Old 1982 Bourbon Cask suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

Only Old Pulteney 20 Year Old 1982 Bourbon Cask

HoneyVanillaOld WoodNuttyToasted

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