Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2016 (cask 2205306) - Bedford Park vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2016 (cask 2205306) - Bedford Park
Caol Ila
£75

Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
| Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2016 (cask 2205306) - Bedford Park | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Big Peat |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 57.2% | 52.8% |
| Age | 8 yr | NAS |
| Price | £75 | £47.9 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2016 (cask 2205306) - Bedford Park
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2016 (cask 2205306) - Bedford Park
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
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 £75.
For beginners: Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2016 (cask 2205306) - Bedford Park
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (57.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£75 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 £75)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2016 (cask 2205306) - Bedford Park 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
Only Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2016 (cask 2205306) - Bedford Park
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021