Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus vs Clynelish 20 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

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

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint MagnusClynelish 20 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
DistilleryHighland ParkClynelish
RegionIslandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55%55.5%
Age12 yr20 yr
Price£299£218.56
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value17/100

Clynelish 20 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Clynelish 20 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Clynelish 20 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is better value at £219 vs £299.

For beginners: Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £218.56)

Clynelish 20 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£218.56 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.5%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus 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 20 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) 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.

Tasting notes

Only Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

SmokeyHoneyToastedMalt Extract

Only Clynelish 20 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

LeatheryOld WoodOilyTobacco

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