Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 18148) Chinese Year Of The Dragon - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 18148) Chinese Year Of The Dragon - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Bunnahabhain
£468
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 18148) Chinese Year Of The Dragon - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bunnahabhain | Talisker |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40.2% | 59.4% |
| Age | 35 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £467.83 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 18148) Chinese Year Of The Dragon - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 18148) Chinese Year Of The Dragon - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
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 £468.
For beginners: Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 18148) Chinese Year Of The Dragon - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 18148) Chinese Year Of The Dragon - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (35 vs 8 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£467.83 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 £467.83)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Bunnahabhain?
Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 18148) Chinese Year Of The Dragon - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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
Only Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 18148) Chinese Year Of The Dragon - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)