Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt) vs Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt)
Balmenach
★ 4.63
£45

Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Ardgowan
★ 5.00
£49
| Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt) | Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balmenach | Ardgowan |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 57.8% | 50% |
| Age | 8 yr | NAS |
| Price | £44.95 | £48.5 |
| Rating | 4.63/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt)
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt)
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Quick verdict
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.63).
Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt) is better value at £45 vs £49.
For beginners: Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +More affordable (£44.95 vs £48.5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (57.8%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Pros
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£48.5 vs £44.95)
Who should buy Balmenach?
Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (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 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
Both taste of
Only Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt)