Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)
Lagavulin
★ 4.71
£299
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Lagavulin |
| Region | Island | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.4% | 56.1% |
| Age | 8 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £299 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.71/5 |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.71).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012) is better value at £299 vs £299.
For beginners: Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is more approachable (20/100 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
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.7 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012) 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
Both taste of
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)