Glenfiddich 30 Year Old - Pre 2014 vs Talisker 27 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2013)

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

Glenfiddich 30 Year Old - Pre 2014Talisker 27 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2013)
DistilleryGlenfiddichTalisker
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%56.1%
Age30 yr27 yr
Price£799£1200
Rating5.00/5

Glenfiddich 30 Year Old - Pre 2014

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value6/100

Talisker 27 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2013)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Glenfiddich 30 Year Old - Pre 2014

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Talisker 27 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2013)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfiddich 30 Year Old - Pre 2014 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenfiddich 30 Year Old - Pre 2014 is better value at £799 vs £1200.

For beginners: Glenfiddich 30 Year Old - Pre 2014 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Glenfiddich 30 Year Old - Pre 2014

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Talisker 27 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2013)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1200 vs £799)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Glenfiddich?

Glenfiddich 30 Year Old - Pre 2014 is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Talisker?

Talisker 27 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2013) 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

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Glenfiddich 30 Year Old - Pre 2014

SherriedVanillaHoneyDried Fruit

Only Talisker 27 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2013)

SmokeyToastedLeathery

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