Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Caol Ila 'Earth' 8 Year Old 2010 - Old Particular Elements Collection (Douglas Laing)

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Caol Ila 'Earth' 8 Year Old 2010 - Old Particular Elements Collection (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryBig PeatCaol Ila
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%58.5%
AgeNAS8 yr
Price£47.9£73.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Caol Ila 'Earth' 8 Year Old 2010 - Old Particular Elements Collection (Douglas Laing)

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner25/100
Value68/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 'Earth' 8 Year Old 2010 - Old Particular Elements Collection (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £74.

For beginners: Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£47.9 vs £73.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Caol Ila 'Earth' 8 Year Old 2010 - Old Particular Elements Collection (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (58.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£73.95 vs £47.9)
  • 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 'Earth' 8 Year Old 2010 - Old Particular Elements Collection (Douglas Laing) 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

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Only Caol Ila 'Earth' 8 Year Old 2010 - Old Particular Elements Collection (Douglas Laing)

Mossy

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