Clynelish 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 12014) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Clynelish 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 12014) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Clynelish
£245
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Clynelish 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 12014) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Clynelish | Talisker |
| Region | Highland | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.6% | 59.4% |
| Age | 21 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £245.28 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Clynelish 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 12014) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Clynelish 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 12014) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Clynelish 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 12014) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £245 vs £299.
For beginners: Clynelish 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 12014) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Clynelish 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 12014) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +More affordable (£245.28 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
- −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 £245.28)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Clynelish?
Clynelish 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 12014) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 Clynelish 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 12014) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)