Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish vs Clynelish 25 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask FinishClynelish 25 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryArdbegClynelish
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49.1%47.1%
Age23 yr25 yr
Price£291.95£379.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value17/100

Clynelish 25 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner50/100
Value13/100

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Clynelish 25 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is better value at £292 vs £380.

For beginners: Clynelish 25 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£291.95 vs £379.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Clynelish 25 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 23 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£379.95 vs £291.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Darkness!?

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Who should buy Clynelish?

Clynelish 25 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

LeatheryOld Wood

Only Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

SmokeySherriedCooked Fruit

Only Clynelish 25 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

OilyTobaccoNutty

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