Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Very Olde St Nick Harvest Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

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

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)Very Olde St Nick Harvest Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
DistilleryTaliskerVery Olde St Nick
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV59.4%40%
Age8 yrNAS
Price£299£244
Rating5.00/5

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Very Olde St Nick Harvest Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Smoke0/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Very Olde St Nick Harvest Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Very Olde St Nick Harvest Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is better value at £244 vs £299.

For beginners: Very Olde St Nick Harvest Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is more approachable (70/100 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £244)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Very Olde St Nick Harvest Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£244 vs £299)

Cons

  • 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 Very?

Very Olde St Nick Harvest Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

Only Very Olde St Nick Harvest Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

ChocolateToastedNuttyTobacco

Explore more