Big Peat A846 Fèis Ìle 2020 Edition vs Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2005 (casks 301521, 301523, 301524 & 301527) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Big Peat A846 Fèis Ìle 2020 EditionCaol Ila 11 Year Old 2005 (casks 301521, 301523, 301524 & 301527) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryBig PeatCaol Ila
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%57.3%
Age8 yr11 yr
Price£45.29£47.21
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat A846 Fèis Ìle 2020 Edition

Smoke65/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2005 (casks 301521, 301523, 301524 & 301527) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Big Peat A846 Fèis Ìle 2020 Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2005 (casks 301521, 301523, 301524 & 301527) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat A846 Fèis Ìle 2020 Edition is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Big Peat A846 Fèis Ìle 2020 Edition is better value at £45 vs £47.

For beginners: Big Peat A846 Fèis Ìle 2020 Edition is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Big Peat A846 Fèis Ìle 2020 Edition

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£45.29 vs £47.21)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2005 (casks 301521, 301523, 301524 & 301527) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (11 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.21 vs £45.29)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Big?

Big Peat A846 Fèis Ìle 2020 Edition 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 Caol?

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2005 (casks 301521, 301523, 301524 & 301527) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail) 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

SmokeyLeatheryOily

Only Big Peat A846 Fèis Ìle 2020 Edition

ToastedKippery

Only Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2005 (casks 301521, 301523, 301524 & 301527) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail)

SherriedMedicinal

Where to buy

Big Peat A846 Fèis Ìle 2020 Edition

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2005 (casks 301521, 301523, 301524 & 301527) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail)

Explore more