Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems vs Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Clynelish
£180
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask
Balvenie
★ 4.85
£199
| Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems | Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Clynelish | Balvenie |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46.1% | 40% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £179.95 | £199 |
| Rating | — | 4.85/5 |
Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask
Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask
Quick verdict
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask is rated higher (4.85 vs 0.00).
Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is better value at £180 vs £199.
For beginners: Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£179.95 vs £199)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.8/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£199 vs £179.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Clynelish?
Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Who should buy Balvenie?
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Only Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask