Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid) vs Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Caol Ila
£56
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Ardgowan
★ 5.00
£49
| Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid) | Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Ardgowan |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 53.6% | 50% |
| Age | 18 yr | NAS |
| Price | £55.95 | £48.5 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Quick verdict
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan) is better value at £49 vs £56.
For beginners: Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£55.95 vs £48.5)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£48.5 vs £55.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid) 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.
Who should buy Clydebuilt?
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Grain character.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Only Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Where to buy
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange