Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid) | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Big Peat |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 52.8% |
| Age | 18 yr | NAS |
| Price | £44.95 | £47.9 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid) is better value at £45 vs £48.
For beginners: Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£44.95 vs £47.9)
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 £44.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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
Only Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid)
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021