Hazelwood Centennial Reserve 20 Year Old vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Hazelwood Centennial Reserve 20 Year Old
William Grant
★ 4.33
£299
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Hazelwood Centennial Reserve 20 Year Old | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | William Grant | Talisker |
| Region | Other Scotch | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 59.4% |
| Age | 20 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £299 | £299 |
| Rating | 4.33/5 | 5.00/5 |
Hazelwood Centennial Reserve 20 Year Old
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Hazelwood Centennial Reserve 20 Year Old
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.33).
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is better value at £299 vs £299.
For beginners: Hazelwood Centennial Reserve 20 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Hazelwood Centennial Reserve 20 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 8 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.3 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)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Hazelwood?
Hazelwood Centennial Reserve 20 Year Old 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 Hazelwood Centennial Reserve 20 Year Old
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)