Strathdearn 7 Year Old 2015 Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Strathdearn 7 Year Old 2015 Single Cask (Master of Malt)Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryStrathdearnCaol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.2%43%
Age7 yr13 yr
Price£44.95£50
Rating5.00/54.57/5

Strathdearn 7 Year Old 2015 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner40/100
Value100/100

Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner65/100
Value91/100

Strathdearn 7 Year Old 2015 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Strathdearn 7 Year Old 2015 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.57).

Strathdearn 7 Year Old 2015 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £45 vs £50.

For beginners: Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Strathdearn 7 Year Old 2015 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£44.95 vs £50)

Cons

  • High ABV (58.2%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (13 vs 7 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£50 vs £44.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Strathdearn?

Strathdearn 7 Year Old 2015 Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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 Caol?

Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Fresh Fruit

Only Strathdearn 7 Year Old 2015 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

HoneyVanillaMalt ExtractToasted

Only Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokeyKipperyOilyCoal-gas

Where to buy

Strathdearn 7 Year Old 2015 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

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