Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019) vs Tomatin 33 Year Old 1972 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

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

Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)Tomatin 33 Year Old 1972 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryTaliskerTomatin
RegionIslandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.3%50%
Age15 yr33 yr
Price£112.5£173.66
Rating5.00/5

Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

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

Tomatin 33 Year Old 1972 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tomatin 33 Year Old 1972 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

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 £174.

For beginners: Tomatin 33 Year Old 1972 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (55/100 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

Tomatin 33 Year Old 1972 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 15 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£173.66 vs £112.5)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • 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 Tomatin?

Tomatin 33 Year Old 1972 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Only Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

SmokeyVanillaMedicinal

Only Tomatin 33 Year Old 1972 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobaccoNutty

Where to buy

Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

Tomatin 33 Year Old 1972 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

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