Octomore 9.3 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 4355) - Jim McEwan Signature Collection (Dramfool) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Octomore 9.3 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 4355) - Jim McEwan Signature Collection (Dramfool)
Bruichladdich
£325
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Octomore 9.3 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 4355) - Jim McEwan Signature Collection (Dramfool) | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bruichladdich | Talisker |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 63.3% | 59.4% |
| Age | 11 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £325 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Octomore 9.3 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 4355) - Jim McEwan Signature Collection (Dramfool)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Octomore 9.3 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 4355) - Jim McEwan Signature Collection (Dramfool)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
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 £325.
For beginners: Octomore 9.3 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 4355) - Jim McEwan Signature Collection (Dramfool) is more approachable (20/100 beginner score).
Octomore 9.3 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 4355) - Jim McEwan Signature Collection (Dramfool)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (11 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (63.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£325 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 £325)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Octomore?
Octomore 9.3 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 4355) - Jim McEwan Signature Collection (Dramfool) 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
Both taste of
Only Octomore 9.3 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 4355) - Jim McEwan Signature Collection (Dramfool)
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)