Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid)

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid)
DistilleryBig PeatCaol Ila
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%46%
AgeNAS18 yr
Price£47.9£44.95
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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).

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

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)

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.

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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinal

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Coal-gasOily

Only Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid)

SherriedCooked FruitHoney

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