Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Lark Single Malt Cask Strength

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

Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Lark Single Malt Cask Strength
DistilleryClynelishLark Distillery
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandAustralia
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.7%58%
Age16 yrNAS
Price£77.95£105.62
Rating4.67/54.00/5

Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke72/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner10/100
Value60/100

Lark Single Malt Cask Strength

Smoke64/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner25/100
Value38/100

Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lark Single Malt Cask Strength

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (4.67 vs 4.00).

Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £78 vs £106.

For beginners: Lark Single Malt Cask Strength is more approachable (25/100 beginner score).

Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Intense, complex peat smoke character
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.7/5)
  • +More affordable (£77.95 vs £105.62)

Cons

  • Challenging for beginners — intense and polarising
  • High ABV (56.7%) — may need water

Lark Single Malt Cask Strength

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (58%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£105.62 vs £77.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 4.7)

Who should buy Clynelish?

Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is for peat enthusiasts and experienced whisky lovers who appreciate bold, smoky, medicinal character. If you enjoy Ardbeg or Laphroaig, this is your dram. Not recommended for beginners.

Who should buy Lark?

Lark Single Malt Cask Strength is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

Only Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

CitricFresh FruitLeatheryMedicinal

Only Lark Single Malt Cask Strength

SmokeyToastedChocolateHoneyMalt Extract

Explore more