Big Peat 33 Year Old vs Caol Ila 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020

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

Big Peat 33 Year OldCaol Ila 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020
DistilleryBig PeatCaol Ila
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.2%53.9%
Age33 yr16 yr
Price£249.95£250
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat 33 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value20/100

Caol Ila 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020

Smoke64/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat 33 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Big Peat 33 Year Old is better value at £250 vs £250.

For beginners: Big Peat 33 Year Old is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Big Peat 33 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£249.95 vs £250)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Caol Ila 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £249.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Big?

Big Peat 33 Year Old 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 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020 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

SmokeySherriedDried Fruit

Only Big Peat 33 Year Old

Old WoodChocolate

Only Caol Ila 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020

Cooked Fruit

Explore more