Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1991 - The Coopers Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1991 - The Coopers Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
DistilleryBig PeatCaol Ila
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%46%
AgeNAS20 yr
Price£47.9£57.77
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1991 - The Coopers Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1991 - The Coopers Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £58.

For beginners: Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1991 - The Coopers Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) is more approachable (50/100 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 affordable (£47.9 vs £57.77)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1991 - The Coopers Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£57.77 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 20 Year Old 1991 - The Coopers Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinal

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Coal-gasOily

Only Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1991 - The Coopers Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

KipperyLeatheryOld Wood

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