Benrinnes 14 Year Old 2007 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Benrinnes 14 Year Old 2007 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
DistilleryBenrinnesTalisker
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50%57.3%
Age14 yr15 yr
Price£87.5£112.5
Rating5.00/5

Benrinnes 14 Year Old 2007 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness90/100
Beginner40/100
Value44/100

Benrinnes 14 Year Old 2007 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Benrinnes 14 Year Old 2007 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is better value at £88 vs £113.

For beginners: Benrinnes 14 Year Old 2007 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Benrinnes 14 Year Old 2007 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£87.5 vs £112.5)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • 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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£112.5 vs £87.5)

Who should buy Benrinnes?

Benrinnes 14 Year Old 2007 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside 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 Benrinnes 14 Year Old 2007 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SherriedHoneyDried FruitToastedOld Wood

Only Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

SmokeyVanillaMedicinal

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