Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019) vs Speyside 30 Year Old 1990 (Thompson Bros.)

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

Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)Speyside 30 Year Old 1990 (Thompson Bros.)
DistilleryTaliskerThompson Bros.
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.3%50.4%
Age15 yr30 yr
Price£112.5£175.95
Rating5.00/5

Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

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

Speyside 30 Year Old 1990 (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Speyside 30 Year Old 1990 (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £176.

For beginners: Speyside 30 Year Old 1990 (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

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

Speyside 30 Year Old 1990 (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 15 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£175.95 vs £112.5)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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.

Who should buy Speyside?

Speyside 30 Year Old 1990 (Thompson Bros.) 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.

Tasting notes

Only Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

SmokeyVanillaMedicinal

Only Speyside 30 Year Old 1990 (Thompson Bros.)

Old WoodHoneyDried FruitSherriedToasted

Explore more