Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) vs Clynelish 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 8684) - Artist #5 (La Maison du Whisky)

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

Clynelish 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 8684) - Artist #5 (La Maison du Whisky)

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

Pros

• +Better value for money
• +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
• +More widely reviewed by the community
• +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

• −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
• −More expensive (£150 vs £147.08)
• −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Clynelish 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 8684) - Artist #5 (La Maison du Whisky)

Pros

• +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
• +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
• +More affordable (£147.08 vs £150)
• +Longer maturation (20 vs 13 years)

Cons

• −High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
• −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) 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 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 8684) - Artist #5 (La Maison du Whisky) 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.