Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979
Dalwhinnie
£495
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Dalwhinnie |
| Region | Island | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.4% | 53.4% |
| Age | 8 yr | 14 yr |
| Price | £299 | £495 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979
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 £495.
For beginners: SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979 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 affordable (£299 vs £495)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979
Pros
- +Longer maturation (14 vs 8 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£495 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 102.9 14 Year Old 1979 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 102.9 14 Year Old 1979