Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)
Linkwood
£250
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Linkwood |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.4% | 40% |
| Age | 8 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £299 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer) is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £250)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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.
Who should buy Linkwood?
Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Only Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)