Big Peat at Christmas 2022 vs Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Big Peat at Christmas 2022
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£53

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Caol Ila
£56
| Big Peat at Christmas 2022 | Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Big Peat | Caol Ila |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.2% | 53.6% |
| Age | NAS | 18 yr |
| Price | £52.9 | £55.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Big Peat at Christmas 2022
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Big Peat at Christmas 2022
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2022 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Big Peat at Christmas 2022 is better value at £53 vs £56.
For beginners: Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Big Peat at Christmas 2022
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£52.9 vs £55.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£55.95 vs £52.9)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Big?
Big Peat at Christmas 2022 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 Caol?
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid) 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
Both taste of
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2022
Only Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Where to buy
Big Peat at Christmas 2022
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange