Caol Ila 16 Year Old (Bladnoch Bottling) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Caol Ila 16 Year Old (Bladnoch Bottling)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryCaol IlaBig Peat
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV59%52.8%
Age16 yrNAS
Price£61.45£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 16 Year Old (Bladnoch Bottling)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Caol Ila 16 Year Old (Bladnoch Bottling)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £61.

For beginners: Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 16 Year Old (Bladnoch Bottling)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (59%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£61.45 vs £47.9)
  • 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 affordable (£47.9 vs £61.45)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 16 Year Old (Bladnoch Bottling) 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 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

SmokeyMedicinalOily

Only Caol Ila 16 Year Old (Bladnoch Bottling)

Leathery

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Coal-gas

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