Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Talisker |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 59.4% |
| Age | 12 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is more approachable (20/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £250)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) 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
Both taste of
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange