Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (4.5L)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (4.5L)
Monkey Shoulder
£301
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (4.5L) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Monkey Shoulder |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 59.4% | 40% |
| Age | 8 yr | NAS |
| Price | £299 | £300.65 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (4.5L)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (4.5L)
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 £301.
For beginners: Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (4.5L) 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 affordable (£299 vs £300.65)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (4.5L)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£300.65 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 Monkey?
Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (4.5L) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Only Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (4.5L)