Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Invergordon 45 Year Old 1972 (Master of Malt)

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

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)Invergordon 45 Year Old 1972 (Master of Malt)
DistilleryTaliskerInvergordon
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV59.4%44.5%
Age8 yr45 yr
Price£299£249.95
Rating5.00/5

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Invergordon 45 Year Old 1972 (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Invergordon 45 Year Old 1972 (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Invergordon 45 Year Old 1972 (Master of Malt) is better value at £250 vs £299.

For beginners: Invergordon 45 Year Old 1972 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (60/100 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 £249.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Invergordon 45 Year Old 1972 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£249.95 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (45 vs 8 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

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 Invergordon?

Invergordon 45 Year Old 1972 (Master of Malt) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Grain character.

Tasting notes

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

Only Invergordon 45 Year Old 1972 (Master of Malt)

Old WoodVanillaHoneyNuttyMalt Extract

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