Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Ben Nevis 23 Year Old 1999 (cask 905) (Limited)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
Ben Nevis 23 Year Old 1999 (cask 905) (Limited)
Ben Nevis
£218
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | Ben Nevis 23 Year Old 1999 (cask 905) (Limited) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Ben Nevis |
| Region | Island | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.4% | 50.8% |
| Age | 8 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £299 | £217.66 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Ben Nevis 23 Year Old 1999 (cask 905) (Limited)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Ben Nevis 23 Year Old 1999 (cask 905) (Limited)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ben Nevis 23 Year Old 1999 (cask 905) (Limited) is better value at £218 vs £299.
For beginners: Ben Nevis 23 Year Old 1999 (cask 905) (Limited) is more approachable (45/100 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 £217.66)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Ben Nevis 23 Year Old 1999 (cask 905) (Limited)
Pros
- +More affordable (£217.66 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 8 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (50.8%) — 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 Ben?
Ben Nevis 23 Year Old 1999 (cask 905) (Limited) 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
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Only Ben Nevis 23 Year Old 1999 (cask 905) (Limited)