Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11699) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11699) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Bowmore
£265
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11699) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Talisker |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.2% | 59.4% |
| Age | 16 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £264.95 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11699) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11699) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11699) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) is better value at £265 vs £299.
For beginners: Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11699) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) is more approachable (20/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11699) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£264.95 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (16 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.2%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 £264.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11699) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) 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 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
Both taste of
Only Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11699) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)