Linkwood 25 Year Old (Gordon & Macphail) vs Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Linkwood 25 Year Old (Gordon & Macphail)
Linkwood
★ 4.50
£102
Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£113
| Linkwood 25 Year Old (Gordon & Macphail) | Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Linkwood | Talisker |
| Region | Speyside | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 57.3% |
| Age | 25 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £102 | £112.5 |
| Rating | 4.50/5 | 5.00/5 |
Linkwood 25 Year Old (Gordon & Macphail)
Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Linkwood 25 Year Old (Gordon & Macphail)
Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Quick verdict
Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).
Linkwood 25 Year Old (Gordon & Macphail) is better value at £102 vs £113.
For beginners: Linkwood 25 Year Old (Gordon & Macphail) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Linkwood 25 Year Old (Gordon & Macphail)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£102 vs £112.5)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 15 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.5 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
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£112.5 vs £102)
Who should buy Linkwood?
Linkwood 25 Year Old (Gordon & Macphail) 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
Both taste of
Only Linkwood 25 Year Old (Gordon & Macphail)
Only Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)