The Kurayoshi 12 Year Old vs Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Kurayoshi 12 Year Old
Kurayoshi
★ 5.00
£133
Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£113
| The Kurayoshi 12 Year Old | Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Kurayoshi | Talisker |
| Region | — | Island |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 57.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £133 | £112.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
The Kurayoshi 12 Year Old
Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
The Kurayoshi 12 Year Old
Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Quick verdict
Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019) is better value at £113 vs £133.
For beginners: The Kurayoshi 12 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
The Kurayoshi 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£133 vs £112.5)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£112.5 vs £133)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.3%) — may need water
Who should buy The?
The Kurayoshi 12 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.
Who should buy Talisker?
Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only The Kurayoshi 12 Year Old
Only Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)