Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (Parcel No.11) - Reserve Casks (The Single Malts of Scotland) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (Parcel No.11) - Reserve Casks (The Single Malts of Scotland)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryCaol IlaBig Peat
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV48%52.8%
Age11 yrNAS
Price£64.95£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (Parcel No.11) - Reserve Casks (The Single Malts of Scotland)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (Parcel No.11) - Reserve Casks (The Single Malts of Scotland)

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 £65.

For beginners: Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (Parcel No.11) - Reserve Casks (The Single Malts of Scotland) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (Parcel No.11) - Reserve Casks (The Single Malts of Scotland)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£64.95 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 £64.95)

Cons

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

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (Parcel No.11) - Reserve Casks (The Single Malts of Scotland) 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

SmokeyOilyMedicinal

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Coal-gas

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