Glen Garioch 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Glen Garioch
★ 5.00
£258
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Glen Garioch 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Garioch | Talisker |
| Region | Highland | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 59.4% |
| Age | 21 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £257.57 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £258 vs £299.
For beginners: Glen Garioch 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£257.57 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £257.57)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glen?
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland 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 Glen Garioch 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)