Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)
Lagavulin
★ 4.17
£299
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Lagavulin |
| Region | Island | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.4% | 57.9% |
| Age | 8 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £299 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.17/5 |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.17).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009) is better value at £299 vs £299.
For beginners: Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009) is more approachable (25/100 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)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (57.9%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.2 vs 5.0)
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 Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009) 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
Both taste of
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)
Where to buy
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange