North British 27 Year Old 1988 (cask 55816) - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
North British 27 Year Old 1988 (cask 55816) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
North British
★ 5.00
£73
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
| North British 27 Year Old 1988 (cask 55816) - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | North British | Big Peat |
| Region | Lowland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 55.5% | 52.8% |
| Age | 27 yr | NAS |
| Price | £72.95 | £47.9 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
North British 27 Year Old 1988 (cask 55816) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
North British 27 Year Old 1988 (cask 55816) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £73.
For beginners: North British 27 Year Old 1988 (cask 55816) - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
North British 27 Year Old 1988 (cask 55816) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (55.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£72.95 vs £47.9)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£47.9 vs £72.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy North?
North British 27 Year Old 1988 (cask 55816) - Single Cask (Master of Malt) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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.
Tasting notes
Only North British 27 Year Old 1988 (cask 55816) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021