Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Littlemill 12 Year Old

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

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)Littlemill 12 Year Old
DistilleryTaliskerLittlemill
RegionIslandLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV59.4%40%
Age8 yr12 yr
Price£299£299
Rating5.00/54.75/5

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Littlemill 12 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner70/100
Value16/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Littlemill 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.75).

Littlemill 12 Year Old is better value at £299 vs £299.

For beginners: Littlemill 12 Year Old 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)

Cons

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

Littlemill 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • 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 Littlemill?

Littlemill 12 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.

Tasting notes

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

Only Littlemill 12 Year Old

Malt ExtractFresh FruitVanillaHay-like

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