Hazelburn 9 Year Old 2007 - Barolo Cask Finish vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Hazelburn 9 Year Old 2007 - Barolo Cask Finish
Springbank
★ 5.00
£250

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Hazelburn 9 Year Old 2007 - Barolo Cask Finish | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Springbank | Talisker |
| Region | Campbeltown | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.9% | 59.4% |
| Age | 9 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Hazelburn 9 Year Old 2007 - Barolo Cask Finish
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Hazelburn 9 Year Old 2007 - Barolo Cask Finish
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Hazelburn 9 Year Old 2007 - Barolo Cask Finish is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Hazelburn 9 Year Old 2007 - Barolo Cask Finish is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Hazelburn 9 Year Old 2007 - Barolo Cask Finish
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (9 vs 8 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (57.9%) — may need water
- −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 Hazelburn?
Hazelburn 9 Year Old 2007 - Barolo Cask Finish 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 Hazelburn 9 Year Old 2007 - Barolo Cask Finish
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)