Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)
Lagavulin
★ 4.71
£299
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012) | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Talisker |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.1% | 59.4% |
| Age | 12 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £299 | £299 |
| Rating | 4.71/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.71).
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is better value at £299 vs £299.
For beginners: Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012) is more approachable (20/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.7 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012) 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
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)