Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Caol Ila 8 Years Old 2012 (cask 15286) - Provenance Coastal Collection (Douglas Laing)

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Caol Ila 8 Years Old 2012 (cask 15286) - Provenance Coastal Collection (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryBig PeatCaol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%46%
AgeNAS8 yr
Price£47.9£59.95
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Caol Ila 8 Years Old 2012 (cask 15286) - Provenance Coastal Collection (Douglas Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 8 Years Old 2012 (cask 15286) - Provenance Coastal Collection (Douglas Laing)

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 £60.

For beginners: Caol Ila 8 Years Old 2012 (cask 15286) - Provenance Coastal Collection (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (55/100 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 £59.95)

Cons

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

Caol Ila 8 Years Old 2012 (cask 15286) - Provenance Coastal Collection (Douglas Laing)

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£59.95 vs £47.9)
  • 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 8 Years Old 2012 (cask 15286) - Provenance Coastal Collection (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinalOily

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Coal-gas

Only Caol Ila 8 Years Old 2012 (cask 15286) - Provenance Coastal Collection (Douglas Laing)

Fresh Fruit

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