Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition)Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
DistilleryBruichladdichTalisker
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%59.4%
Age20 yr8 yr
Price£250£299
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner75/100
Value20/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition) is better value at £250 vs £299.

For beginners: Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£250 vs £299)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +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 Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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 Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition)

SherriedCooked FruitHoneyVanillaLeafy

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

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