Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)
Linkwood
£250
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer) | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Linkwood | Talisker |
| Region | — | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 59.4% |
| Age | 17 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer) is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (17 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 £250)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Linkwood?
Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt 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 Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)