2021 Talisker 8 Year vs. Laphroaig Cask Strength Batch 13

A couple of weeks ago, a good friend of mine brought these two bottles over for us to open together. We did and after tasting them, we both felt that these would make a nice head-to-head video. This 2021 Special Release Talisker 8 is created using ex-bourbon barrel matured Talisker (supposedly from the peatiest casks they found) and was bottled at 59.7% abv. It retails for around $125-$150. The Laphroaig Cask Strength Batch 13 is also from late 2021 and is a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry cask matured casks. It doesn’t have an age statement, but I imagine it’s around 8-9 years old. It’s bottled at 57.9% abv and retails for $80-$95. As I was tasting it, my mind kept comparing it to two great old Laphroaig Cask Strength releases that I really enjoy. So, I decided to shoot some bonus footage for my Patrons that would compare the new Batch 13 to a Batch 3 (from Jan. 2011) and a 2007 “Red Stripe” Laphroaig Cask Strength. It was fun seeing the differences in them, and it’s something you can watch by joining us at www.patreon.com/liquorhound. If you want to jump to the nosing and tasting notes: Talisker 8 begins at 1:40 mark Laphroaig begins at the 7:20 mark Laphroaig Batch 3 and old “Red Stripe” comparison can only be found at the end of the video at www.patreon.com/liquorhound As always, I want to thank all of my viewers and send a special thank you to my Patreon supporters who’ve helped me keep my independence and allowed me to continue self-purchasing bottles for this channel. So, if you enjoy this content and would like to help us keep it going, please join us at www.patreon.com/LiquorHound. There you’ll get a 2-week head start on hunting all the bottles I review – before they launch on YouTube. You’ll also get lots of “Patron Only” bonus content at the end of my videos, every video add-free – including the large private review library (which has never been on YouTube), have the ability to message me directly with questions, and can be eligible for my giveaways. As of February 2022, my current bottle count is over 2,600. I am a Certified Specialist of Spirits and have also been accredited by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT). I've been actively collecting for more than two decades and what started as a small basic home bar has transformed (with the help and understanding of my wonderful wife) into this collection and career. Speaking of my career, our new “Saints Alley Bourbons” have hit Total Wine shelves and they've been very popular! We just finished bottling Batch 3, and given my knowledge and high standards, you know I’m working hard with my team to keep giving you some amazing releases! Thanks for watching and remember to please drink responsibly. Cheers!