SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979 vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979
Dalwhinnie
£495
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979 | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Dalwhinnie | Talisker |
| Region | Highland | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.4% | 59.4% |
| Age | 14 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £495 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is better value at £299 vs £495.
For beginners: SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979 is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979
Pros
- +Longer maturation (14 vs 8 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£495 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 affordable (£299 vs £495)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy SMWS?
SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979 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 SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)