Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10321) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

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

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10321) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryTaliskerMortlach
RegionIslandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV59.4%55.2%
Age8 yr25 yr
Price£299£236.8
Rating5.00/5

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10321) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10321) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10321) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) is better value at £237 vs £299.

For beginners: Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10321) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (35/100 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 £236.8)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10321) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£236.8 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.2%) — 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 Mortlach?

Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10321) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) 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)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

Only Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10321) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

ChocolateSherriedToastedVanillaNutty

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