Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Linkwood 22 Year Old 1990 (cask 39.88) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
Linkwood 22 Year Old 1990 (cask 39.88) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Linkwood
£399
| Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | Linkwood 22 Year Old 1990 (cask 39.88) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Linkwood |
| Region | Island | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.4% | 47.8% |
| Age | 8 yr | 22 yr |
| Price | £299 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Linkwood 22 Year Old 1990 (cask 39.88) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Linkwood 22 Year Old 1990 (cask 39.88) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
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 £399.
For beginners: Linkwood 22 Year Old 1990 (cask 39.88) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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 £399)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Linkwood 22 Year Old 1990 (cask 39.88) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (22 vs 8 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 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 Linkwood?
Linkwood 22 Year Old 1990 (cask 39.88) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Only Linkwood 22 Year Old 1990 (cask 39.88) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)