Teeling 24 Year Old - Vintage Reserve Collection vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Teeling 24 Year Old - Vintage Reserve CollectionTalisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
DistilleryTeelingTalisker
RegionIsland
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%59.4%
Age24 yr8 yr
Price£395£299
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Teeling 24 Year Old - Vintage Reserve Collection

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner75/100
Value13/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Teeling 24 Year Old - Vintage Reserve Collection

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is better value at £299 vs £395.

For beginners: Teeling 24 Year Old - Vintage Reserve Collection is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Teeling 24 Year Old - Vintage Reserve Collection

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (24 vs 8 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£395 vs £299)
  • 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
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £395)

Cons

  • High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Teeling?

Teeling 24 Year Old - Vintage Reserve Collection is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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 Teeling 24 Year Old - Vintage Reserve Collection

SherriedDried FruitHoneyVanillaOld Wood

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

Explore more