Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Aultmore 12 Year Old - 1970s

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)Aultmore 12 Year Old - 1970s
DistilleryTaliskerAultmore
RegionIslandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV59.4%40%
Age8 yr12 yr
Price£299£350
Rating5.00/53.00/5

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

Aultmore 12 Year Old - 1970s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner70/100
Value9/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Aultmore 12 Year Old - 1970s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is better value at £299 vs £350.

For beginners: Aultmore 12 Year Old - 1970s 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 affordable (£299 vs £350)

Cons

  • High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Aultmore 12 Year Old - 1970s

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£350 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (3.0 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 Aultmore?

Aultmore 12 Year Old - 1970s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

Only Aultmore 12 Year Old - 1970s

Malt ExtractToastedHoneyVanillaFresh Fruit

Explore more