New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon (51.4%) vs Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

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

New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon (51.4%)Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
DistilleryNew RiffClynelish
RegionHighland
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV51.4%46%
AgeNAS15 yr
Price£67.95£57.12
Rating4.00/55.00/5

New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon (51.4%)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner40/100
Value59/100

Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner65/100
Value88/100

New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon (51.4%)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd) is better value at £57 vs £68.

For beginners: Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon (51.4%)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (51.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£67.95 vs £57.12)
  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)

Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£57.12 vs £67.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy New?

New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon (51.4%) 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 New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon (51.4%)

ChocolateCooked FruitToastedSmokeyVanilla

Only Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

OilyLeatheryHoneyMalt ExtractNutty

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