Dalwhinnie 15 vs Talisker 10: Head to Head!

Discover the differences between Dalwhinnie 15 vs Talisker 10 in this in-depth comparison so you decide which Single Malt is better for You!

Dalwhinnie 15

• Nose: Honey, pear, apple, smoke.
• Body: Ripe fruit, nutmeg, cinnamon.
• Finish: Medium length, toasted malt, roasted nuts.

The nose hits with a honeyed aroma with hints of pear, apple and just a subtle whiff of smoke.

On the palate, Dalwhinnie feels a bit thin lacking in body. Flavor comes with a ripe fruit note, along notes of nutmeg and cinnamon.

The finish has a decent length, leaving a pleasant aftertaste of toasted malt and roasted nuts with very little warmth making an easy drinker.

Adding a drop of water is enough to make the Dalwhinnie better as it opens-up and becomes more fragrant, sweeter while bringing more oak to the flavor.

Dalwhinnie 15 is a sweet and very smooth fruity whisky, with a hint of baking spice. It’s not particularly complex or interesting but drinks without an controversies as it does not have any harshness, smoke, peat or any off-putting note.

Dalwhinnie is an easy drinker and a good option when in the mood for a light, uncomplicated dram and a good alternative for those who want an overly easy drinking single malt.

Learn how it compares to the Oban 14!

There are a few facts worth knowing about this single malt:

• Bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV).

• Aged for 15 years in ex-bourbon barrels.

• Dalwhinnie distillery was founded in 1897 by John Grant and is located in the Highland village of Dalwhinnie in Scotland.

• It only has 2 stills making it one of the smallest distilleries in the UK.

• Dalwhinnie is the highest distillery in Scotland at 1,154 ft (352 m) above the sea level.

Talisker 10

• Nose: Smoke, pear and apple.
• Palate: Smoke, dried fruit, mineral notes, cereal, pepper.
• Finish: Long and pleasantly peppery

There is a fair amount of smoke on the nose at first, followed by hints of pear, apple and a bit of iodine.

On the palate, the Talisker 10 displays a creamy texture. Flavor offers a moderate hit of smoke at first, that quickly mellows out into rich dried fruit sweetness, with hints of cereal, black pepper and a mineral note.

The finish is long, with a satisfying warming peppery note and mineral finish with a bit of oak spice and caramel.

Adding a dash of water tunes-down the pepper, while releasing sweet notes, making it easier to sip.

Talisker 10 is a creamy and full flavored whisky. This is a peaty whisky but not as heavy as some of the Islay malts as it does not overpowers other flavors.

Talisker strikes a nice balance between smoke, salinity, peppery notes and honey-like sweetness.

Overall, Talisker 10 is not an entry-level single malt but it makes a solid option for true whisky aficionados that like peat in moderate amounts in their drinks.

This is an overly good malt and is a top-ranked 10 year old whisky.

Learn how it compares to the Highland Park 12!

There are a few facts worth knowing about this whisky:

• Bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV).

• Aged in ex-bourbon barrels.

• Was rated Best Buy by Wine Enthusiast.

• Awarded with 94 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2013.

• Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013.

• Talisker is an Island Whisky crafted in the Isle of Skye since 1830; founded by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
Dalwhinnie 15	$80
Talisker 10	$75

Dalwhinnie 15 vs Talisker 10: Which is better?

Talisker is a more rewarding whisky, yet richer in smoke

Whiskey	Dalwhinnie 15	Talisker 10
Nose	✅	✅
Body		✅
Palate	✅	✅
Finish	✅	✅
Value		✅

• Talisker is a richer and more complex dram the Dalwhinnie.

• It hits with a moderate amount of smoke, along caramel sweetness, mineral notes and the right level of smoke making an entire satisfying malt.

• Dalwhinnie is overly smooth dram, lacking in body, with no complicated drams intended for those who want an easy dram.

What do Dalwhinnie vs Talisker have in common?

Both are owned by the same parent company

Both brands are part of London-based Diageo among 200 other brands.

Dalwhinnie and Talisker contribute with malts to Johnnie Walker blends.