Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Dewar's Double Double 32 Year Old

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

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)Dewar's Double Double 32 Year Old
DistilleryTaliskerDewar's
RegionIslandOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV59.4%46%
Age8 yr32 yr
Price£299£224.3
Rating5.00/5

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Dewar's Double Double 32 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Dewar's Double Double 32 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Dewar's Double Double 32 Year Old is better value at £224 vs £299.

For beginners: Dewar's Double Double 32 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £224.3)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Dewar's Double Double 32 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£224.3 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (32 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • 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 Dewar's?

Dewar's Double Double 32 Year Old is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

Only Dewar's Double Double 32 Year Old

SherriedHoneyOld WoodDried FruitVanilla

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