Bowmore 9 Year Old 1999 - Fèis Ìle 2009 vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 9 Year Old 1999 - Fèis Ìle 2009
Bowmore
£250
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Bowmore 9 Year Old 1999 - Fèis Ìle 2009 | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Talisker |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.1% | 59.4% |
| Age | 9 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 9 Year Old 1999 - Fèis Ìle 2009
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Bowmore 9 Year Old 1999 - Fèis Ìle 2009
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 9 Year Old 1999 - Fèis Ìle 2009 is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Bowmore 9 Year Old 1999 - Fèis Ìle 2009 is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 9 Year Old 1999 - Fèis Ìle 2009
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (9 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
- −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 widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £250)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 9 Year Old 1999 - Fèis Ìle 2009 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 9 Year Old 1999 - Fèis Ìle 2009
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)