Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Imperial 28 Year Old 1989 (cask 1675) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
Imperial 28 Year Old 1989 (cask 1675) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Imperial
£281
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | Imperial 28 Year Old 1989 (cask 1675) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Imperial |
| Region | Island | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.4% | 42.7% |
| Age | 8 yr | 28 yr |
| Price | £299 | £280.52 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Imperial 28 Year Old 1989 (cask 1675) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Imperial 28 Year Old 1989 (cask 1675) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Imperial 28 Year Old 1989 (cask 1675) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) is better value at £281 vs £299.
For beginners: Imperial 28 Year Old 1989 (cask 1675) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) 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 widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £280.52)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Imperial 28 Year Old 1989 (cask 1675) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£280.52 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (28 vs 8 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −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 Imperial?
Imperial 28 Year Old 1989 (cask 1675) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Only Imperial 28 Year Old 1989 (cask 1675) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)