Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits vs Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
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

Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Ardgowan
★ 5.00
£49
| Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits | Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Ardgowan |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 60.9% | 50% |
| Age | 7 yr | NAS |
| Price | £39.95 | £48.5 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Quick verdict
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits is better value at £40 vs £49.
For beginners: Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan) 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 £48.5)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (60.9%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Pros
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£48.5 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 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 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits
Only Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Where to buy
Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange