Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs SMWS 59.43 29 Year Old 1983
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
SMWS 59.43 29 Year Old 1983
Teaninich
£350
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | SMWS 59.43 29 Year Old 1983 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Teaninich |
| Region | Island | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.4% | 56.4% |
| Age | 8 yr | 29 yr |
| Price | £299 | £350 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
SMWS 59.43 29 Year Old 1983
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
SMWS 59.43 29 Year Old 1983
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is better value at £299 vs £350.
For beginners: SMWS 59.43 29 Year Old 1983 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 affordable (£299 vs £350)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
SMWS 59.43 29 Year Old 1983
Pros
- +Longer maturation (29 vs 8 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£350 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 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 SMWS?
SMWS 59.43 29 Year Old 1983 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 SMWS 59.43 29 Year Old 1983