Caol Ila 14 Year Old 1994 Tokaji Wood Finish - Private Collection (Gordon and MacPhail) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Caol Ila 14 Year Old 1994 Tokaji Wood Finish - Private Collection (Gordon and MacPhail)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryCaol IlaBig Peat
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV45%52.8%
Age14 yrNAS
Price£40.95£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 14 Year Old 1994 Tokaji Wood Finish - Private Collection (Gordon and MacPhail)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value100/100

Caol Ila 14 Year Old 1994 Tokaji Wood Finish - Private Collection (Gordon and MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 14 Year Old 1994 Tokaji Wood Finish - Private Collection (Gordon and MacPhail) is better value at £41 vs £48.

For beginners: Caol Ila 14 Year Old 1994 Tokaji Wood Finish - Private Collection (Gordon and MacPhail) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 14 Year Old 1994 Tokaji Wood Finish - Private Collection (Gordon and MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£40.95 vs £47.9)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £40.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 14 Year Old 1994 Tokaji Wood Finish - Private Collection (Gordon and MacPhail) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Who should buy Big?

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 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

SmokeyMedicinal

Only Caol Ila 14 Year Old 1994 Tokaji Wood Finish - Private Collection (Gordon and MacPhail)

SherriedDried FruitLeathery

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Coal-gasOily

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