Oban 21 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Oban 21 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Oban
£453
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Oban 21 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Oban | Talisker |
| Region | Highland | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.9% | 59.4% |
| Age | 21 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £452.96 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Oban 21 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Oban 21 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
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 £453.
For beginners: Oban 21 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Oban 21 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 8 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (57.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£452.96 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 £452.96)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Oban?
Oban 21 Year Old (Special Release 2018) 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
Both taste of
Only Oban 21 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)