Mars Komagatake Tsunuki Aging (Bottled 2020) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Mars Komagatake Tsunuki Aging (Bottled 2020)Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
DistilleryShinshuTalisker
RegionIsland
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54%59.4%
AgeNAS8 yr
Price£292.5£299
Rating5.00/5

Mars Komagatake Tsunuki Aging (Bottled 2020)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Mars Komagatake Tsunuki Aging (Bottled 2020)

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).

Mars Komagatake Tsunuki Aging (Bottled 2020) is better value at £293 vs £299.

For beginners: Mars Komagatake Tsunuki Aging (Bottled 2020) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Mars Komagatake Tsunuki Aging (Bottled 2020)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£292.5 vs £299)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (54%) — 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 £292.5)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Mars?

Mars Komagatake Tsunuki Aging (Bottled 2020) 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 Tsunuki Aging (Bottled 2020)

Malt ExtractVanillaFresh FruitToastedNew Wood

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

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