SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980 vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
DistilleryGlenlochyTalisker
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV60.4%59.4%
Age24 yr8 yr
Price£450£299
Rating5.00/5

SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980

Smoke0/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £450.

For beginners: SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980 is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (24 vs 8 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (60.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£450 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 £450)

Cons

  • High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy SMWS?

SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980 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

Only SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980

Old WoodLeatheryDried FruitMossyNutty

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

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