Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits vs Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

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

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star SpiritsWeeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old
DistilleryCaol IlaWeeknight Whisky
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV60.9%40%
Age7 yr8 yr
Price£39.95£31.95
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits

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

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner70/100
Value100/100

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old is better value at £32 vs £40.

For beginners: Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (60.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£39.95 vs £31.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£31.95 vs £39.95)

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 Weeknight?

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyOily

Only Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits

KipperySherriedDried Fruit

Only Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

MedicinalLeathery

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