Craigellachie 23 Year Old 1999 (cask #3) Oloroso Sherry - Exceptional Cask Series New Vibrations vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Craigellachie 23 Year Old 1999 (cask #3) Oloroso Sherry - Exceptional Cask Series New VibrationsTalisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
DistilleryCraigellachieTalisker
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55%59.4%
Age23 yr8 yr
Price£399.95£299
Rating5.00/5

Craigellachie 23 Year Old 1999 (cask #3) Oloroso Sherry - Exceptional Cask Series New Vibrations

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Craigellachie 23 Year Old 1999 (cask #3) Oloroso Sherry - Exceptional Cask Series New Vibrations

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 £400.

For beginners: Craigellachie 23 Year Old 1999 (cask #3) Oloroso Sherry - Exceptional Cask Series New Vibrations is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Craigellachie 23 Year Old 1999 (cask #3) Oloroso Sherry - Exceptional Cask Series New Vibrations

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£399.95 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 £399.95)

Cons

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

Who should buy Craigellachie?

Craigellachie 23 Year Old 1999 (cask #3) Oloroso Sherry - Exceptional Cask Series New Vibrations 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 Craigellachie 23 Year Old 1999 (cask #3) Oloroso Sherry - Exceptional Cask Series New Vibrations

SherriedCooked FruitTobaccoOld Wood

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

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