Bowmore 22 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 22 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish
Bowmore
£338
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Bowmore 22 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Talisker |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48% | 59.4% |
| Age | 22 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £337.95 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 22 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Bowmore 22 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
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).
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)
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
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.
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 22 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Where to buy
Bowmore 22 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange