Caol Ila 2001 Distillers Edition / Bot.2013 Islay Whisky vs Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 2001 Distillers Edition / Bot.2013 Islay Whisky
Caol Ila
£90
Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Clynelish
★ 4.67
£78
| Caol Ila 2001 Distillers Edition / Bot.2013 Islay Whisky | Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Clynelish |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 56.7% |
| Age | NAS | 16 yr |
| Price | £89.95 | £77.95 |
| Rating | — | 4.67/5 |
Caol Ila 2001 Distillers Edition / Bot.2013 Islay Whisky
Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila 2001 Distillers Edition / Bot.2013 Islay Whisky
Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (4.67 vs 0.00).
Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £78 vs £90.
For beginners: Caol Ila 2001 Distillers Edition / Bot.2013 Islay Whisky is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 2001 Distillers Edition / Bot.2013 Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£89.95 vs £77.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.7)
Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Intense, complex peat smoke character
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.7/5)
- +More affordable (£77.95 vs £89.95)
Cons
- −Challenging for beginners — intense and polarising
- −High ABV (56.7%) — may need water
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 2001 Distillers Edition / Bot.2013 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.
Who should buy Clynelish?
Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is for peat enthusiasts and experienced whisky lovers who appreciate bold, smoky, medicinal character. If you enjoy Ardbeg or Laphroaig, this is your dram. Not recommended for beginners.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 2001 Distillers Edition / Bot.2013 Islay Whisky
Only Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)