Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve vs Clynelish 20 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

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

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak ReserveClynelish 20 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
DistilleryGlenfiddichClynelish
RegionSpeysideHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%55.5%
Age12 yr20 yr
Price£199£218.56
Rating5.00/5

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value25/100

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

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

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is better value at £199 vs £219.

For beginners: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £218.56)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

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

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£218.56 vs £199)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Glenfiddich?

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve 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 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 Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

ToastedVanillaHoneyMalt ExtractNew Wood

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

LeatheryOld WoodOilyTobacco

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