Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Chivas Regal 12 Year Old 4.5l
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
Chivas Regal 12 Year Old 4.5l
Chivas Regal
★ 4.29
£247
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | Chivas Regal 12 Year Old 4.5l | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Chivas Regal |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 59.4% | 40% |
| Age | 8 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £299 | £246.99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.29/5 |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Chivas Regal 12 Year Old 4.5l
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Chivas Regal 12 Year Old 4.5l
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.29).
Chivas Regal 12 Year Old 4.5l is better value at £247 vs £299.
For beginners: Chivas Regal 12 Year Old 4.5l is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £246.99)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Chivas Regal 12 Year Old 4.5l
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£246.99 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.3 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 Chivas?
Chivas Regal 12 Year Old 4.5l suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.
Tasting notes
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Only Chivas Regal 12 Year Old 4.5l