Clynelish 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 8805) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Clynelish 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 8805) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryClynelishLagavulin
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV51.6%56.5%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£187.16£250
Rating5.00/5

Clynelish 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 8805) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness73/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Clynelish 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 8805) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Clynelish 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 8805) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) is better value at £187 vs £250.

For beginners: Clynelish 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 8805) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Clynelish 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 8805) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£187.16 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.6%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £187.16)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Clynelish?

Clynelish 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 8805) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) 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 Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) 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

Smokey

Only Clynelish 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 8805) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

SherriedOld WoodHoneyLeathery

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

MedicinalOilyKippery

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