Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Aultmore |
| Region | Island | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.4% | 56.6% |
| Age | 8 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £299 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988 is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988 is more approachable (50/100 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
SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 8 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.6%) — 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 SMWS?
SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988 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 SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988