Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan) vs Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2014 (cask 386647) - James Eadie
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Ardgowan
★ 5.00
£49

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2014 (cask 386647) - James Eadie
Caol Ila
£74
| Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan) | Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2014 (cask 386647) - James Eadie | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardgowan | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50% | 56.2% |
| Age | NAS | 11 yr |
| Price | £48.5 | £73.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2014 (cask 386647) - James Eadie
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2014 (cask 386647) - James Eadie
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 £74.
For beginners: Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£48.5 vs £73.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2014 (cask 386647) - James Eadie
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£73.95 vs £48.5)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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.
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2014 (cask 386647) - James Eadie 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
Only Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Only Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2014 (cask 386647) - James Eadie
Where to buy
Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2014 (cask 386647) - James Eadie
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange