Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Royal Brackla 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299

Royal Brackla 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Brackla
£395
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | Royal Brackla 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Brackla |
| Region | Island | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.4% | 59.8% |
| Age | 8 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £299 | £395 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Royal Brackla 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Royal Brackla 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
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 £395.
For beginners: Royal Brackla 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts 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 £395)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Royal Brackla 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Pros
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 8 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (59.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£395 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 Royal?
Royal Brackla 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts 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 Royal Brackla 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts