Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Bowmore 22 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
Bowmore 22 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish
Bowmore
£338
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | Bowmore 22 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Bowmore |
| Region | Island | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.4% | 48% |
| Age | 8 yr | 22 yr |
| Price | £299 | £337.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Bowmore 22 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Bowmore 22 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish
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 £338.
For beginners: Bowmore 22 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish 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 £337.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bowmore 22 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (22 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£337.95 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 Bowmore?
Bowmore 22 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish 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
Both taste of
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Only Bowmore 22 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish
Where to buy
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Bowmore 22 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange