Big Peat at Christmas 2022 vs Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2022Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
DistilleryBig PeatCaol Ila
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.2%53.6%
AgeNAS18 yr
Price£52.9£55.95
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2022

Smoke65/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value95/100

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2022

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2022 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Big Peat at Christmas 2022 is better value at £53 vs £56.

For beginners: Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (40/100 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 affordable (£52.9 vs £55.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (53.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£55.95 vs £52.9)
  • 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 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid) 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

SmokeyOld WoodLeathery

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2022

Kippery

Only Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

Dried FruitMedicinal

Where to buy

Big Peat at Christmas 2022

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

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