The Balvenie 40 Year Old vs Clynelish 12 Year Old / Bot.1960s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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

The Balvenie 40 Year OldClynelish 12 Year Old / Bot.1960s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
DistilleryBalvenieClynelish
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV42.2%40%
Age40 yrNAS
Price£7225£6500
Rating4.80/5

The Balvenie 40 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness78/100
Beginner85/100
Value1/100

Clynelish 12 Year Old / Bot.1960s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

The Balvenie 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Clynelish 12 Year Old / Bot.1960s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Balvenie 40 Year Old is rated higher (4.80 vs 0.00).

Clynelish 12 Year Old / Bot.1960s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is better value at £6500 vs £7225.

For beginners: The Balvenie 40 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

The Balvenie 40 Year Old

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 (£7225 vs £6500)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Clynelish 12 Year Old / Bot.1960s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£6500 vs £7225)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)

Who should buy The?

The Balvenie 40 Year Old 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.

Who should buy Clynelish?

Clynelish 12 Year Old / Bot.1960s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 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

Both taste of

Honey

Only The Balvenie 40 Year Old

Old WoodVanillaSherried

Only Clynelish 12 Year Old / Bot.1960s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Malt ExtractVegetativeSmokey

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