Clynelish 14 vs Deanston 12

Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 06:10 pm

Uncover the differences of Clynelish 14 vs Deanston 12 in my thorough comparison, and choose your preferred Single Malt!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Clynelish 14 vs Deanston 12: Comparison

Clynelish 14: Offers a unique blend of citrus, smoke, and a mineral finish. A complex Speyside single malt with a smoky twist. 46% ABV. Suggests adding water to enhance flavors. Ideal for those seeking complexity with a hint of smoke.

Deanston 12: Bold flavors of fruit, honey, and a spicy kick. A robust Highland single malt with a medium finish. 46% ABV. Benefits from adding water. Perfect for enthusiasts of bold, unfiltered whiskies with character.

Verdict: Clynelish 14 stands out for its smoky complexity, appealing to those looking for depth with a Speyside signature. Deanston 12 caters to lovers of bold, natural flavors in Highland whiskies. Both offer distinctive tasting experiences for their regions, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: 14-Year-Old Single Malts

Clynelish 14: A Single Malt with a Smoky Twist

• Nose: Citrus, baking spice, smoke
• Palate: Honey, pepper, ripe fruit, smoke
• Finish: Long, bittersweet, mineral
• Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Caol Ila 12

The Clynelish 14 offers a captivating experience for whisky enthusiasts, particularly those seeking a complex and well-balanced dram with a touch of intrigue. Let’s delve into its characteristics:

Aromatic Delights:

• The initial aroma presents a captivating blend of citrus notes, intertwined with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a subtle smokiness, creating a complex and intriguing first impression.

Tasting Journey:

• The first sip reveals a waxy texture on the palate, followed by a mild pepperiness at the forefront that quickly gives way to a delightful development of flavors. Notes of honey, ripe fruit, and a gentle smokiness emerge, creating a well-rounded and evolving experience.

A Lingering Impression:

• The finish extends for a good length, leaving behind a bittersweet and slightly mineral character, ensuring a memorable conclusion.

Approachable Complexity:

• This Clynelish expression offers a delightful balance of approachable smoothness and engaging complexity. While the initial peppery sensation might surprise some, it quickly becomes a pleasant element of the flavor profile.

Tips for Enjoyment:

• To fully appreciate the nuances of this whisky, it is recommended to allow it to breathe in the glass for a few moments before taking a sip. Additionally, a few drops of water can help further enhance and reveal the intricate flavors.

A Unique Speyside Dram:

• Notably, the Clynelish 14 stands out for its unique character within the Speyside region. While traditionally known for their light and floral expressions, Clynelish offers a touch of smokiness, often associated with Islay whiskies, making it an exciting and uncommon Speyside dram.

Additional Notes:

• This single malt whisky matures for 14 years in a combination of bourbon and sherry barrels, contributing to its complex and well-rounded flavor profile.
• Interestingly, around 95% of Clynelish’s production goes towards contributing to Johnnie Walker blends, with Clynelish being a key component of their Gold Label Reserve.
• The Clynelish distillery has a rich history, with the original distillery built in 1819 and the currently operational one established in 1967. It is considered the successor to the Brora distillery, which closed its doors in 1983.

Deanston 12: A Bold and Flavorful Single Malt

• Nose: Fruit, vanilla, honey, marzipan
• Palate: Fruit, raisins, honey, ginger, oak
• Finish: Medium, caramel, spice
• Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Bunnahabhain 12

The Deanston 12 offers a distinct and robust experience for whisky enthusiasts, appealing to those who appreciate bolder drams with a unique character. Let’s explore its key characteristics:

Aromatic Allure:

• The initial aroma presents a captivating blend of stone fruits like peaches and apricots, followed by enticing notes of vanilla, honey, and marzipan, creating a complex and intriguing first impression.

Tasting Journey:

• The first sip reveals a thick and slightly warming texture, coating the palate pleasantly. The initial flavor is a touch warm, giving way to a delightful combination of peaches, apricots, honey, ginger spice, and oak.

A Lingering Impression:

• The finish lingers for a medium length, characterized by a subtle burn, caramel sweetness, a satisfying spicy kick, and a hint of bitterness, leaving a lasting impression of its bold character.

Distinct and Robust:

• This whisky offers a bold and robust flavor profile, attributed to its high proof and maturation exclusively in bourbon casks, resulting in distinct notes.

Not for Everyone:

• While some may find the warmth and intensity appealing, offering a “rugged” drinking experience, others who prefer a smoother and more effortless dram might find it a bit too much.

Considerations:

• This unfiltered and uncolored expression showcases its natural character without any artificial additives.
• It has garnered recognition in the industry, winning awards like the Double Gold Medal at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Gold Outstanding at the 2014 International Wine & Spirit Competition.
• Notably, the Deanston Distillery has a unique history, starting as a cotton mill in 1785 before transitioning into a distillery in 1966. It is currently owned by Distell Group Limited, along with Bunnahabhain and Tobermory.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
Clynelish 14	$75
Deanston 12	$64