Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) vs Clynelish 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12781) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Master of Malt
★ 5.00
£287
Clynelish 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12781) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Clynelish
£329
| Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) | Clynelish 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12781) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Master of Malt | Clynelish |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 54.7% |
| Age | 40 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £286.95 | £329 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Clynelish 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12781) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Clynelish 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12781) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) is better value at £287 vs £329.
For beginners: Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£286.95 vs £329)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Clynelish 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12781) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£329 vs £286.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Master?
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Who should buy Clynelish?
Clynelish 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12781) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Only Clynelish 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12781) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)