Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019) vs Vallein Tercinier Cognac "Lot 86" Bons Bois 1986

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

Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)Vallein Tercinier Cognac "Lot 86" Bons Bois 1986
DistilleryTaliskerVallein-Tercinier
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV57.3%40%
Age15 yrNAS
Price£112.5£160
Rating5.00/5

Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

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

Vallein Tercinier Cognac "Lot 86" Bons Bois 1986

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Vallein Tercinier Cognac "Lot 86" Bons Bois 1986

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 £160.

For beginners: Vallein Tercinier Cognac "Lot 86" Bons Bois 1986 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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.3%) — may need water

Vallein Tercinier Cognac "Lot 86" Bons Bois 1986

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£160 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 Vallein?

Vallein Tercinier Cognac "Lot 86" Bons Bois 1986 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Talisker 15 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

SmokeyVanillaMedicinal

Only Vallein Tercinier Cognac "Lot 86" Bons Bois 1986

Old WoodDried FruitHoneyToastedTobacco

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