Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)

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

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
DistilleryCaol IlaArdgowan
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV50%50%
Age8 yrNAS
Price£60.21£48.5
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value100/100

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £60.

For beginners: Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£60.21 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 £60.21)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

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 8 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SmokeyDried FruitSherriedChocolate

Only Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)

VanillaMalt ExtractHoneyToasted

Where to buy

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)

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