Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Teaninich 40 Year Old 1973 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

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

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)Teaninich 40 Year Old 1973 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
DistilleryTaliskerTeaninich
RegionIslandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV59.4%48.9%
Age8 yr40 yr
Price£299£448.45
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Teaninich 40 Year Old 1973 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner55/100
Value11/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Teaninich 40 Year Old 1973 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is better value at £299 vs £448.

For beginners: Teaninich 40 Year Old 1973 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £448.45)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Teaninich 40 Year Old 1973 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (40 vs 8 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£448.45 vs £299)
  • 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 Teaninich?

Teaninich 40 Year Old 1973 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

Only Teaninich 40 Year Old 1973 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

SherriedOld WoodDried FruitNuttyToasted

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