Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett LegacyTalisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
DistilleryMidletonTalisker
RegionIsland
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeSingle Pot StillSingle Malt
ABV46%59.4%
AgeNAS8 yr
Price£280£299
Rating4.67/55.00/5

Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner75/100
Value17/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.67).

Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy is better value at £280 vs £299.

For beginners: Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£280 vs £299)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.7 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £280)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Midleton?

Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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 Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy

VanillaHoneyCooked FruitNew Wood

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

Explore more