Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) (without Presentation Box) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) (without Presentation Box)
Laphroaig
£415
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) (without Presentation Box) | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Laphroaig | Talisker |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.9% | 59.4% |
| Age | 25 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £415 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) (without Presentation Box)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) (without Presentation Box)
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 £415.
For beginners: Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) (without Presentation Box) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) (without Presentation Box)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£415 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 £415)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Laphroaig?
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) (without Presentation Box) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay 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
Both taste of
Only Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) (without Presentation Box)
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)