Clynelish 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022) vs Michael Jackson Blend

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

Clynelish 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)Michael Jackson Blend
DistilleryClynelishBerry Bros. & Rudd
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandEngland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV58.5%43%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£150£90.36
Rating5.00/5

Clynelish 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Michael Jackson Blend

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner75/100
Value55/100

Clynelish 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Michael Jackson Blend

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Michael Jackson Blend is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Michael Jackson Blend is better value at £90 vs £150.

For beginners: Michael Jackson Blend is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Clynelish 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (58.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£150 vs £90.36)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Michael Jackson Blend

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£90.36 vs £150)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Clynelish?

Clynelish 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022) 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 Michael?

Michael Jackson Blend 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

ToastedOily

Only Clynelish 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

SherriedSmokeyDried Fruit

Only Michael Jackson Blend

VanillaHoneyMalt Extract

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