Springbank 12 Year Old 1999 (bottled for Michael Sheridan) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Springbank 12 Year Old 1999 (bottled for Michael Sheridan)
Springbank
£299

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£299
| Springbank 12 Year Old 1999 (bottled for Michael Sheridan) | Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Springbank | Talisker |
| Region | — | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 59.4% |
| Age | 12 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £299 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Springbank 12 Year Old 1999 (bottled for Michael Sheridan)
Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Springbank 12 Year Old 1999 (bottled for Michael Sheridan)
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 £299.
For beginners: Springbank 12 Year Old 1999 (bottled for Michael Sheridan) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Springbank 12 Year Old 1999 (bottled for Michael Sheridan)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Springbank?
Springbank 12 Year Old 1999 (bottled for Michael Sheridan) 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
Both taste of
Only Springbank 12 Year Old 1999 (bottled for Michael Sheridan)
Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2018)