Caledonian 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 23630) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caledonian 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 23630) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
Caledonian
£432
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Caledonian 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 23630) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caledonian | Talisker |
| Region | — | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Single Malt |
| ABV | 52.8% | 59.4% |
| Age | 40 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £432.3 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caledonian 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 23630) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Caledonian 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 23630) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
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 £432.
For beginners: Caledonian 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 23630) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caledonian 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 23630) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (40 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£432.3 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 £432.3)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Caledonian?
Caledonian 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 23630) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) 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 Caledonian 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 23630) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)