Black Bull 30 Year Old Nick Faldo Edition (Duncan Taylor) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Black Bull 30 Year Old Nick Faldo Edition (Duncan Taylor)Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
DistilleryDuncan TaylorTalisker
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV50%59.4%
Age30 yr8 yr
Price£293£299
Rating5.00/5

Black Bull 30 Year Old Nick Faldo Edition (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Black Bull 30 Year Old Nick Faldo Edition (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Black Bull 30 Year Old Nick Faldo Edition (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £293 vs £299.

For beginners: Black Bull 30 Year Old Nick Faldo Edition (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Black Bull 30 Year Old Nick Faldo Edition (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£293 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 £293)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Black?

Black Bull 30 Year Old Nick Faldo Edition (Duncan Taylor) 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.

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.

Tasting notes

Only Black Bull 30 Year Old Nick Faldo Edition (Duncan Taylor)

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitHoneyTobacco

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

Explore more