Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Duncan Taylor
£160
Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£113
| Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Duncan Taylor | Talisker |
| Region | — | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.4% | 57.3% |
| Age | 23 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £159.95 | £112.5 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
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 £160.
For beginners: Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 15 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£159.95 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 Beldorney?
Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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 Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Only Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)