Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)
Master of Malt
★ 5.00
£40
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
| Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt) | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Master of Malt | Big Peat |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 60% | 52.8% |
| Age | 8 yr | NAS |
| Price | £39.95 | £47.9 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Quick verdict
Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt) is better value at £40 vs £48.
For beginners: Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +More affordable (£39.95 vs £47.9)
Cons
- −High ABV (60%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£47.9 vs £39.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Secret?
Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt) 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 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 Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021