Linkwood 34 Year Old 1984 (batch 18/064) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Linkwood 34 Year Old 1984 (batch 18/064) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Linkwood
★ 5.00
£493
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Linkwood 34 Year Old 1984 (batch 18/064) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Linkwood | Talisker |
| Region | Speyside | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58.1% | 59.4% |
| Age | 34 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £493 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Linkwood 34 Year Old 1984 (batch 18/064) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Linkwood 34 Year Old 1984 (batch 18/064) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is better value at £299 vs £493.
For beginners: Linkwood 34 Year Old 1984 (batch 18/064) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Linkwood 34 Year Old 1984 (batch 18/064) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (34 vs 8 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£493 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 £493)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Linkwood?
Linkwood 34 Year Old 1984 (batch 18/064) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Linkwood 34 Year Old 1984 (batch 18/064) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)