Clynelish 20 Year Old 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive vs Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Clynelish 20 Year Old 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive
Clynelish
★ 5.00
£750
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£599
| Clynelish 20 Year Old 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive | Ardbeg 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Clynelish | Ardbeg |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.3% | 46% |
| Age | 20 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £750 | £599 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Clynelish 20 Year Old 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Clynelish 20 Year Old 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £750.
For beginners: Clynelish 20 Year Old 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Clynelish 20 Year Old 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
Cons
- −High ABV (57.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£750 vs £599)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£599 vs £750)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 20 years)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Clynelish?
Clynelish 20 Year Old 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive 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 Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Clynelish 20 Year Old 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old