Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996 vs Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

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

Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
DistilleryArdmoreClynelish
RegionHighlandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49.3%46%
Age20 yr15 yr
Price£69.95£57.12
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996

Smoke68/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner50/100
Value57/100

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

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

Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996

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 4.00).

Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd) is better value at £57 vs £70.

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

Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 15 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£69.95 vs £57.12)
  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)

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

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£57.12 vs £69.95)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996 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 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 Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996

SmokeyToastedMedicinalOld WoodDried Fruit

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

OilyLeatheryHoneyMalt ExtractNutty

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