Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Ben Nevis 1996 / 28 Year Old / Xtra Old Particular for The Whisky Exchange Highland Whisky

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

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)Ben Nevis 1996 / 28 Year Old / Xtra Old Particular for The Whisky Exchange Highland Whisky
DistilleryTaliskerBen Nevis
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV59.4%40%
Age8 yrNAS
Price£299£375
Rating5.00/5

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Ben Nevis 1996 / 28 Year Old / Xtra Old Particular for The Whisky Exchange Highland Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ben Nevis 1996 / 28 Year Old / Xtra Old Particular for The Whisky Exchange Highland Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £375.

For beginners: Ben Nevis 1996 / 28 Year Old / Xtra Old Particular for The Whisky Exchange Highland Whisky is more approachable (70/100 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 £375)

Cons

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

Ben Nevis 1996 / 28 Year Old / Xtra Old Particular for The Whisky Exchange Highland Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£375 vs £299)
  • 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 Ben?

Ben Nevis 1996 / 28 Year Old / Xtra Old Particular for The Whisky Exchange Highland Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

Only Ben Nevis 1996 / 28 Year Old / Xtra Old Particular for The Whisky Exchange Highland Whisky

Dried FruitHoneyToastedOld Wood

Explore more