Big Peat at Christmas 2022 vs Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1996 - Chieftain's Ian MacLeod)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Big Peat at Christmas 2022
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£53

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1996 - Chieftain's Ian MacLeod)
Caol Ila
£47
| Big Peat at Christmas 2022 | Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1996 - Chieftain's Ian MacLeod) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Big Peat | Caol Ila |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.2% | 43% |
| Age | NAS | 13 yr |
| Price | £52.9 | £46.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Big Peat at Christmas 2022
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1996 - Chieftain's Ian MacLeod)
Big Peat at Christmas 2022
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1996 - Chieftain's Ian MacLeod)
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2022 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1996 - Chieftain's Ian MacLeod) is better value at £47 vs £53.
For beginners: Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1996 - Chieftain's Ian MacLeod) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Big Peat at Christmas 2022
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 (54.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£52.9 vs £46.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1996 - Chieftain's Ian MacLeod)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£46.95 vs £52.9)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Big?
Big Peat at Christmas 2022 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 13 Year Old 1996 - Chieftain's Ian MacLeod) 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
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2022
Only Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1996 - Chieftain's Ian MacLeod)
Where to buy
Big Peat at Christmas 2022
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1996 - Chieftain's Ian MacLeod)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange