Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten GemsTalisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
DistilleryBruichladdichTalisker
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.5%59.4%
Age28 yr8 yr
Price£229.95£299
Rating5.00/5

Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Smoke64/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

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).

Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is better value at £230 vs £299.

For beginners: Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£229.95 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 8 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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 £229.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

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

Smokey

Only Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

LeatheryOld Wood

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

KipperyMedicinalOily

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