Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2017 vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2017
Four Roses
★ 5.00
£350
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2017 | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Four Roses | Talisker |
| Region | — | Island |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.9% | 59.4% |
| Age | NAS | 8 yr |
| Price | £350 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2017
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2017
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is better value at £299 vs £350.
For beginners: Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2017 is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2017
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£350 vs £299)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£299 vs £350)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Four?
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2017 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.
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 Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2017
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)