Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2016 (cask CI1623) - Hidden Spirits vs Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)

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

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2016 (cask CI1623) - Hidden SpiritsClydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
DistilleryCaol IlaArdgowan
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV54.2%50%
Age6 yrNAS
Price£74.54£48.5
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2016 (cask CI1623) - Hidden Spirits

Smoke66/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value100/100

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2016 (cask CI1623) - Hidden Spirits

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £75.

For beginners: Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2016 (cask CI1623) - Hidden Spirits

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£74.54 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 £74.54)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2016 (cask CI1623) - Hidden 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 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 6 Year Old 2016 (cask CI1623) - Hidden Spirits

SmokeySherriedOilyMedicinalCoal-gas

Only Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)

VanillaMalt ExtractHoneyToasted

Where to buy

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2016 (cask CI1623) - Hidden Spirits

Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)

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