The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak vs Clynelish 12 Year Old / Spirit of Free Embo / Bot.1988 Highland Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
The Macallan
★ 4.80
£1500
Clynelish 12 Year Old / Spirit of Free Embo / Bot.1988 Highland Whisky
Clynelish
£2500
| The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak | Clynelish 12 Year Old / Spirit of Free Embo / Bot.1988 Highland Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Macallan | Clynelish |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 43% | 40% |
| Age | 21 yr | NAS |
| Price | £1500 | £2500 |
| Rating | 4.80/5 | — |
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Clynelish 12 Year Old / Spirit of Free Embo / Bot.1988 Highland Whisky
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Clynelish 12 Year Old / Spirit of Free Embo / Bot.1988 Highland Whisky
Quick verdict
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak is rated higher (4.80 vs 0.00).
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak is better value at £1500 vs £2500.
For beginners: Clynelish 12 Year Old / Spirit of Free Embo / Bot.1988 Highland Whisky is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.8/5)
- +More affordable (£1500 vs £2500)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Clynelish 12 Year Old / Spirit of Free Embo / Bot.1988 Highland Whisky
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£2500 vs £1500)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Who should buy Clynelish?
Clynelish 12 Year Old / Spirit of Free Embo / Bot.1988 Highland 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
Only The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Only Clynelish 12 Year Old / Spirit of Free Embo / Bot.1988 Highland Whisky