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 SpiritsClydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
DistilleryCaol IlaArdgowan
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV60.9%50%
Age7 yrNAS
Price£39.95£48.5
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits

Smoke65/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner40/100
Value100/100

Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)

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

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokeyKipperySherriedDried FruitOily

Only Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)

VanillaMalt ExtractHoneyToasted

Where to buy

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits

Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)

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