Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release / Bot.2021 Blended Irish Whiskey vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release / Bot.2021 Blended Irish WhiskeyTalisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
DistilleryMidletonTalisker
RegionIsland
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeIrishSingle Malt
ABV40%59.4%
AgeNAS8 yr
Price£335£299
Rating5.00/5

Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release / Bot.2021 Blended Irish Whiskey

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release / Bot.2021 Blended Irish Whiskey

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).

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is better value at £299 vs £335.

For beginners: Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release / Bot.2021 Blended Irish Whiskey is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release / Bot.2021 Blended Irish Whiskey

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£335 vs £299)
  • 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 affordable (£299 vs £335)

Cons

  • High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Midleton?

Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release / Bot.2021 Blended Irish Whiskey 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 Vintage Release / Bot.2021 Blended Irish Whiskey

HoneyFresh FruitVanillaCitricChocolate

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

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