Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits
Glenrothes
£475
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Glenrothes |
| Region | Island | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.4% | 44.1% |
| Age | 8 yr | 36 yr |
| Price | £299 | £475.29 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits
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 £475.
For beginners: The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
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 £475.29)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (36 vs 8 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£475.29 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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.
Who should buy The?
The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits 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.
Tasting notes
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Only The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits