Breath of Islay 11 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi) vs Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

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

Breath of Islay 11 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi)Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6868) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
DistilleryAdelphiClynelish
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.7%46%
Age11 yr15 yr
Price£52.95£57.12
Rating5.00/5

Breath of Islay 11 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

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

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

Breath of Islay 11 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi)

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).

Breath of Islay 11 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi) is better value at £53 vs £57.

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

Breath of Islay 11 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£52.95 vs £57.12)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.7%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 11 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£57.12 vs £52.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Breath?

Breath of Islay 11 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi) 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 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

Both taste of

Oily

Only Breath of Islay 11 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi)

SmokeyMedicinalKippery

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

LeatheryHoneyMalt ExtractNutty

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