Glen Elgin 18 Year Old 1998 (Special Release 2017) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Glen Elgin 18 Year Old 1998 (Special Release 2017)Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
DistilleryGlen ElginTalisker
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.8%59.4%
Age18 yr8 yr
Price£250£299
Rating5.00/5

Glen Elgin 18 Year Old 1998 (Special Release 2017)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness51/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Glen Elgin 18 Year Old 1998 (Special Release 2017)

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).

Glen Elgin 18 Year Old 1998 (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £299.

For beginners: Glen Elgin 18 Year Old 1998 (Special Release 2017) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Glen Elgin 18 Year Old 1998 (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.8%) — 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 Glen?

Glen Elgin 18 Year Old 1998 (Special Release 2017) 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 Glen Elgin 18 Year Old 1998 (Special Release 2017)

YeastyMalt ExtractHoneyFresh FruitToasted

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOily

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