Mars Komagatake 2015 (bottled 2021) (cask 3225) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Mars Komagatake 2015 (bottled 2021) (cask 3225)
Shinshu
£225
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Mars Komagatake 2015 (bottled 2021) (cask 3225) | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Shinshu | Talisker |
| Region | — | Island |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 63% | 59.4% |
| Age | NAS | 8 yr |
| Price | £225 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Mars Komagatake 2015 (bottled 2021) (cask 3225)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Mars Komagatake 2015 (bottled 2021) (cask 3225)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mars Komagatake 2015 (bottled 2021) (cask 3225) is better value at £225 vs £299.
For beginners: Mars Komagatake 2015 (bottled 2021) (cask 3225) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Mars Komagatake 2015 (bottled 2021) (cask 3225)
Pros
- +More affordable (£225 vs £299)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (63%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −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
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £225)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Mars?
Mars Komagatake 2015 (bottled 2021) (cask 3225) 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 Mars Komagatake 2015 (bottled 2021) (cask 3225)
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)