Clynelish 20 Year Old 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive vs Hakushu 18 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Clynelish 20 Year Old 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive
Clynelish
★ 5.00
£750
Hakushu 18 Year Old
Hakushu
★ 4.38
£621
| Clynelish 20 Year Old 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive | Hakushu 18 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Clynelish | Hakushu |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.3% | 43% |
| Age | 20 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £750 | £620.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.38/5 |
Clynelish 20 Year Old 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive
Hakushu 18 Year Old
Clynelish 20 Year Old 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive
Hakushu 18 Year Old
Quick verdict
Clynelish 20 Year Old 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.38).
Hakushu 18 Year Old is better value at £621 vs £750.
For beginners: Hakushu 18 Year Old is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Clynelish 20 Year Old 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 18 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£750 vs £620.5)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Hakushu 18 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£620.5 vs £750)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.4 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Clynelish?
Clynelish 20 Year Old 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Who should buy Hakushu?
Hakushu 18 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Clynelish 20 Year Old 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive
Only Hakushu 18 Year Old