SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999) vs Talisker 30 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999) | Talisker 30 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Brora | Talisker |
| Region | Highland | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58.3% | 48.5% |
| Age | 18 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £995 | £829.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)
Talisker 30 Year Old
SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)
Talisker 30 Year Old
Quick verdict
Talisker 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Talisker 30 Year Old is better value at £830 vs £995.
For beginners: Talisker 30 Year Old is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (58.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£995 vs £829.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Talisker 30 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£829.95 vs £995)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy SMWS?
SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999) 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 30 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)
Only Talisker 30 Year Old