Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Teeling Silver Reserve 21 Year Old Single Malt

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

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)Teeling Silver Reserve 21 Year Old Single Malt
DistilleryTaliskerTeeling
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV59.4%46%
Age8 yr21 yr
Price£299£399
Rating5.00/54.80/5

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Teeling Silver Reserve 21 Year Old Single Malt

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner75/100
Value12/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Teeling Silver Reserve 21 Year Old Single Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.80).

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is better value at £299 vs £399.

For beginners: Teeling Silver Reserve 21 Year Old Single Malt is more approachable (75/100 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 £399)

Cons

  • High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Teeling Silver Reserve 21 Year Old Single Malt

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 8 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (4.8 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 Teeling?

Teeling Silver Reserve 21 Year Old Single Malt is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

Only Teeling Silver Reserve 21 Year Old Single Malt

HoneyFresh FruitVanillaSherried

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