Big Peat at Christmas 2022 vs Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
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 - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila
★ 4.57
£50
| Big Peat at Christmas 2022 | Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | £50 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.57/5 |
Big Peat at Christmas 2022
Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
Big Peat at Christmas 2022
Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2022 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.57).
Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £50 vs £53.
For beginners: Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) 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)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£52.9 vs £50)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£50 vs £52.9)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.6 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 - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
Where to buy
Big Peat at Christmas 2022
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange