Caol Ila 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) vs Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)
Caol Ila
£79
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Ardgowan
★ 5.00
£49
| Caol Ila 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) | Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Ardgowan |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 56.2% | 50% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £78.95 | £48.5 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Caol Ila 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
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 £79.
For beginners: Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (56.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£78.95 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 £78.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) 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
Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)
Only Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Where to buy
Caol Ila 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange