Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Glentauchers 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3844) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
Glentauchers 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3844) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Glentauchers
£250
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | Glentauchers 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3844) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Glentauchers |
| Region | Island | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.4% | 50.3% |
| Age | 8 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £299 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Glentauchers 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3844) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Glentauchers 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3844) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glentauchers 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3844) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati) is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Glentauchers 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3844) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati) 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 £250)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glentauchers 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3844) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
- −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 Glentauchers?
Glentauchers 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3844) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati) 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)
Only Glentauchers 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3844) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)