Nikka Taketsuru 17 Year Old (With Wooden Presentation Box) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Nikka Taketsuru 17 Year Old (With Wooden Presentation Box)
Nikka
★ 4.43
£399
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Nikka Taketsuru 17 Year Old (With Wooden Presentation Box) | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Nikka | Talisker |
| Region | — | Island |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 59.4% |
| Age | 17 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £399 | £299 |
| Rating | 4.43/5 | 5.00/5 |
Nikka Taketsuru 17 Year Old (With Wooden Presentation Box)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Nikka Taketsuru 17 Year Old (With Wooden Presentation Box)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.43).
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is better value at £299 vs £399.
For beginners: Nikka Taketsuru 17 Year Old (With Wooden Presentation Box) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Nikka Taketsuru 17 Year Old (With Wooden Presentation Box)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 8 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (4.4 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 £399)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Nikka?
Nikka Taketsuru 17 Year Old (With Wooden Presentation Box) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.
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 Nikka Taketsuru 17 Year Old (With Wooden Presentation Box)
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)