Clynelish 20 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) vs Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

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

Clynelish 20 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
DistilleryClynelishBrackla
RegionHighlandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.5%40%
Age20 yr21 yr
Price£218.56£219.99
Rating5.00/5

Clynelish 20 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner70/100
Value23/100

Clynelish 20 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Clynelish 20 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is better value at £219 vs £220.

For beginners: Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Clynelish 20 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£218.56 vs £219.99)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.5%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 20 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£219.99 vs £218.56)

Who should buy Clynelish?

Clynelish 20 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) 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 Royal?

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old 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

Old Wood

Only Clynelish 20 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

LeatheryOilyTobacco

Only Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

SherriedVanillaCooked FruitToasted

Explore more