The Glenlivet 21 Year Old - The Sample Room Collection vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

The Glenlivet 21 Year Old - The Sample Room CollectionTalisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
DistilleryThe GlenlivetTalisker
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%59.4%
Age21 yr8 yr
Price£229.5£299
Rating5.00/5

The Glenlivet 21 Year Old - The Sample Room Collection

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

The Glenlivet 21 Year Old - The Sample Room Collection

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).

The Glenlivet 21 Year Old - The Sample Room Collection is better value at £230 vs £299.

For beginners: The Glenlivet 21 Year Old - The Sample Room Collection is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

The Glenlivet 21 Year Old - The Sample Room Collection

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£229.5 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 8 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • 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 £229.5)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy The?

The Glenlivet 21 Year Old - The Sample Room Collection suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

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 21 Year Old - The Sample Room Collection

SherriedVanillaDried FruitOld WoodChocolate

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

Explore more