Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd) vs Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky

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

Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky
DistilleryClynelishCaol Ila
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV46%40%
Age15 yrNAS
Price£57.12£85
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness73/100
Beginner80/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky

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 £85.

For beginners: Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).

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 £85)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£85 vs £57.12)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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.

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay 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

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

OilyLeatheryHoneyMalt ExtractNutty

Only Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky

SmokeyChocolateVanillaSherriedCitric

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