Secret Orkney 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17/A63 #1) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) vs Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Secret Orkney 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17/A63 #1) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Signatory
£135
Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£113
| Secret Orkney 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17/A63 #1) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Signatory | Talisker |
| Region | — | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.9% | 57.3% |
| Age | 18 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £134.95 | £112.5 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Secret Orkney 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17/A63 #1) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Secret Orkney 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17/A63 #1) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Quick verdict
Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019) is better value at £113 vs £135.
For beginners: Secret Orkney 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17/A63 #1) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Secret Orkney 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17/A63 #1) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 15 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£134.95 vs £112.5)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.3%) — may need water
Who should buy Secret?
Secret Orkney 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17/A63 #1) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 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 Secret Orkney 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17/A63 #1) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Only Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)