Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2014 - Whiskyheroes (Brave New Spirits) vs Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

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

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2014 - Whiskyheroes (Brave New Spirits)Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
DistilleryCaol IlaClynelish
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%46%
Age11 yr15 yr
Price£86.95£57.12
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2014 - Whiskyheroes (Brave New Spirits)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner65/100
Value88/100

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2014 - Whiskyheroes (Brave New Spirits)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd) is better value at £57 vs £87.

For beginners: Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2014 - Whiskyheroes (Brave New Spirits)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£86.95 vs £57.12)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£57.12 vs £86.95)
  • +Longer maturation (15 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2014 - Whiskyheroes (Brave New Spirits) 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 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Only Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2014 - Whiskyheroes (Brave New Spirits)

SmokeySherriedDried FruitVanillaToasted

Only Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

OilyLeatheryHoneyMalt ExtractNutty

Explore more