Fettercairn 23 Year Old vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Fettercairn 23 Year Old | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Fettercairn | Talisker |
| Region | Highland | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.5% | 59.4% |
| Age | 23 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £231.83 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Fettercairn 23 Year Old
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Fettercairn 23 Year Old
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Fettercairn 23 Year Old is better value at £232 vs £299.
For beginners: Fettercairn 23 Year Old is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Fettercairn 23 Year Old
Pros
- +More affordable (£231.83 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −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 £231.83)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Fettercairn?
Fettercairn 23 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
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 Fettercairn 23 Year Old
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

