Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Strathdearn 7 Year Old 2015 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila
★ 4.57
£50
Strathdearn 7 Year Old 2015 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Strathdearn
★ 5.00
£45
| Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) | Strathdearn 7 Year Old 2015 Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Strathdearn |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 58.2% |
| Age | 13 yr | 7 yr |
| Price | £50 | £44.95 |
| Rating | 4.57/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
Strathdearn 7 Year Old 2015 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
Strathdearn 7 Year Old 2015 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Strathdearn 7 Year Old 2015 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.57).
Strathdearn 7 Year Old 2015 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £45 vs £50.
For beginners: Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (13 vs 7 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£50 vs £44.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)
Strathdearn 7 Year Old 2015 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£44.95 vs £50)
Cons
- −High ABV (58.2%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Strathdearn?
Strathdearn 7 Year Old 2015 Single Cask (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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Strathdearn 7 Year Old 2015 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Where to buy
Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Strathdearn 7 Year Old 2015 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange