Clynelish 21 Year Old - Art of Whisky (Elixir Distillers) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Clynelish 21 Year Old - Art of Whisky (Elixir Distillers)Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
DistilleryClynelishTalisker
RegionHighlandIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.1%59.4%
Age21 yr8 yr
Price£350£299
Rating5.00/5

Clynelish 21 Year Old - Art of Whisky (Elixir Distillers)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Clynelish 21 Year Old - Art of Whisky (Elixir Distillers)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £350.

For beginners: Clynelish 21 Year Old - Art of Whisky (Elixir Distillers) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Clynelish 21 Year Old - Art of Whisky (Elixir Distillers)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 8 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£350 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 £350)

Cons

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

Who should buy Clynelish?

Clynelish 21 Year Old - Art of Whisky (Elixir Distillers) 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.

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.

Tasting notes

Only Clynelish 21 Year Old - Art of Whisky (Elixir Distillers)

LeatheryOld WoodHoneyVanillaToasted

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

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