Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Glenturret 35 Year Old 1977 (Three Rivers)

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

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)Glenturret 35 Year Old 1977 (Three Rivers)
DistilleryTaliskerGlenturret
RegionIslandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV59.4%48%
Age8 yr35 yr
Price£299£450
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Glenturret 35 Year Old 1977 (Three Rivers)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner70/100
Value11/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenturret 35 Year Old 1977 (Three Rivers)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is better value at £299 vs £450.

For beginners: Glenturret 35 Year Old 1977 (Three Rivers) 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
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £450)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Glenturret 35 Year Old 1977 (Three Rivers)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 8 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£450 vs £299)
  • 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 Glenturret?

Glenturret 35 Year Old 1977 (Three Rivers) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

Only Glenturret 35 Year Old 1977 (Three Rivers)

Old WoodSherriedHoneyDried FruitTobacco

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