Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023) vs Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
DistilleryLagavulinClynelish
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.4%46%
Age12 yr15 yr
Price£47.95£57.12
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)

Smoke63/100
Sweetness70/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)

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).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023) is better value at £48 vs £57.

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£47.95 vs £57.12)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
  • 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)
  • +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£57.12 vs £47.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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 Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)

SmokeyCoal-gasDried FruitVanilla

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

OilyLeatheryHoneyMalt ExtractNutty

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