Clynelish 20 Year Old 1990 (Signatory) vs Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix

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

Clynelish 20 Year Old 1990 (Signatory)Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix
DistilleryClynelishTullamore D.E.W.
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV43%55%
Age20 yrNAS
Price£38.7£45.95
Rating5.00/5

Clynelish 20 Year Old 1990 (Signatory)

Smoke66/100
Sweetness85/100
Beginner90/100
Value0/100

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

Clynelish 20 Year Old 1990 (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Clynelish 20 Year Old 1990 (Signatory) is better value at £39 vs £46.

For beginners: Clynelish 20 Year Old 1990 (Signatory) is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

Clynelish 20 Year Old 1990 (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£38.7 vs £45.95)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£45.95 vs £38.7)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Clynelish?

Clynelish 20 Year Old 1990 (Signatory) 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 Tullamore?

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Honey

Only Clynelish 20 Year Old 1990 (Signatory)

LeatheryOilyKipperyOld Wood

Only Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix

SherriedVanillaCooked FruitToasted

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