Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two vs Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two
Balvenie
£800

Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£499
| Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two | Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Talisker |
| Region | Speyside | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 62.3% | 45.8% |
| Age | 15 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £799.95 | £499 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two
Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)
Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two
Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)
Quick verdict
Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release) is better value at £499 vs £800.
For beginners: Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (62.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£799.95 vs £499)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£499 vs £799.95)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Balvenie?
Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two 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.
Who should buy Talisker?
Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.
Tasting notes
Only Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two
Only Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)