Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits vs Lower East Side Blended Malt
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits
Caol Ila
★ 4.00
£40
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Lower East Side
★ 5.00
£30
| Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits | Lower East Side Blended Malt | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Lower East Side |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 60.9% | 40% |
| Age | 7 yr | NAS |
| Price | £39.95 | £29.9 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Quick verdict
Lower East Side Blended Malt is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Lower East Side Blended Malt is better value at £30 vs £40.
For beginners: Lower East Side Blended Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (60.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£39.95 vs £29.9)
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£29.9 vs £39.95)
Cons
- −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 Lower?
Lower East Side Blended Malt is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits
Only Lower East Side Blended Malt