Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2013) 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 2013)
Lagavulin
★ 4.50
£299
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2013) | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Talisker |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.1% | 59.4% |
| Age | 12 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £299 | £299 |
| Rating | 4.50/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2013)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2013)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is better value at £299 vs £299.
For beginners: Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2013) is more approachable (20/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2013)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.1%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.5 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 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.
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 2013)