Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits vs Elijah Craig Straight Rye

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

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star SpiritsElijah Craig Straight Rye
DistilleryCaol IlaElijah Craig
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltRye
ABV60.9%47%
Age7 yrNAS
Price£39.95£46.75
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits

Smoke65/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner40/100
Value100/100

Elijah Craig Straight Rye

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner60/100
Value100/100

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Elijah Craig Straight Rye

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Elijah Craig Straight Rye is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits is better value at £40 vs £47.

For beginners: Elijah Craig Straight Rye is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£39.95 vs £46.75)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (60.9%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)

Elijah Craig Straight Rye

Pros

  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£46.75 vs £39.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits 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 Elijah?

Elijah Craig Straight Rye suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Rye character.

Tasting notes

Only Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits

SmokeyKipperySherriedDried FruitOily

Only Elijah Craig Straight Rye

ToastedVanillaHoneyNutty

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