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

Miyagikyo Apple Brandy Cask Finish
Miyagikyo
£250

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Miyagikyo Apple Brandy Cask Finish | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Miyagikyo | Talisker |
| Region | — | Island |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47% | 59.4% |
| Age | NAS | 8 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Miyagikyo Apple Brandy Cask Finish
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Miyagikyo Apple Brandy Cask Finish
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Miyagikyo Apple Brandy Cask Finish is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Miyagikyo Apple Brandy Cask Finish is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Miyagikyo Apple Brandy Cask Finish
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −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 £250)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Miyagikyo?
Miyagikyo Apple Brandy Cask Finish suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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 Miyagikyo Apple Brandy Cask Finish
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)