Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)The Antiquary 21 Year Old
DistilleryClynelishThe Antiquary
RegionHighlandOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV48.6%43%
Age23 yr21 yr
Price£99.88£84.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke69/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value50/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner75/100
Value59/100

Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Antiquary 21 Year Old is better value at £85 vs £100.

For beginners: The Antiquary 21 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£99.88 vs £84.9)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£84.9 vs £99.88)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Clynelish?

Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Who should buy The?

The Antiquary 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

KipperyMedicinalOilyCooked Vegetable

Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SherriedDried FruitTobaccoNutty

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