Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems vs WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World

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

Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten GemsWhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World
DistilleryClynelishWhistlePig
Region
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltRye
ABV46.1%43%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£179.95£124
Rating5.00/5

Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value40/100

Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World is better value at £124 vs £180.

For beginners: WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£179.95 vs £124)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Clynelish?

Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Who should buy WhistlePig?

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World 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.

Tasting notes

Only Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

LeatheryToastedSmokeyMalt ExtractOld Wood

Only WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World

SherriedDried FruitHoneyVanilla

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