The Glenlivet Small Batch 2.3 20 Year Old vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Glenlivet Small Batch 2.3 20 Year Old
The Glenlivet
£260
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| The Glenlivet Small Batch 2.3 20 Year Old | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Glenlivet | Talisker |
| Region | Speyside | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.2% | 59.4% |
| Age | 20 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £259.95 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
The Glenlivet Small Batch 2.3 20 Year Old
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
The Glenlivet Small Batch 2.3 20 Year Old
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The Glenlivet Small Batch 2.3 20 Year Old is better value at £260 vs £299.
For beginners: The Glenlivet Small Batch 2.3 20 Year Old is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
The Glenlivet Small Batch 2.3 20 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£259.95 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 8 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.2%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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 £259.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy The?
The Glenlivet Small Batch 2.3 20 Year Old suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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
Only The Glenlivet Small Batch 2.3 20 Year Old
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)