Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019) vs The Kurayoshi 12 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£113

The Kurayoshi 12 Year Old
Kurayoshi
★ 5.00
£133
| Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019) | The Kurayoshi 12 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Kurayoshi |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 57.3% | 43% |
| Age | 15 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £112.5 | £133 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
The Kurayoshi 12 Year Old
Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
The Kurayoshi 12 Year Old
Quick verdict
Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019) is better value at £113 vs £133.
For beginners: The Kurayoshi 12 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 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
- +More affordable (£112.5 vs £133)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.3%) — may need water
The Kurayoshi 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£133 vs £112.5)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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 The?
The Kurayoshi 12 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Only The Kurayoshi 12 Year Old