Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid)Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
DistilleryCragganmoreTalisker
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%59.4%
Age21 yr8 yr
Price£250£299
Rating5.00/5

Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

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).

Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid) is better value at £250 vs £299.

For beginners: Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 8 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 £250)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Cragganmore?

Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid) 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 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 Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

SherriedDried FruitToastedOld WoodTobacco

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

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