Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits) vs Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
North Star Spirits
£50
Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Clynelish
★ 5.00
£57
| Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits) | Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | North Star Spirits | Clynelish |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £49.95 | £57.12 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Quick verdict
Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits) is better value at £50 vs £57.
For beginners: Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£49.95 vs £57.12)
Cons
- −High ABV (53%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£57.12 vs £49.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Secret?
Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits) 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.
Who should buy Clynelish?
Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd) 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 Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
Only Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)