Braeval 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 11205) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Braeval 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 11205) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Braeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet)
£73
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
| Braeval 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 11205) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Braeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet) | Big Peat |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 48.4% | 52.8% |
| Age | 18 yr | NAS |
| Price | £73.37 | £47.9 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Braeval 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 11205) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Braeval 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 11205) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £73.
For beginners: Braeval 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 11205) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Braeval 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 11205) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£73.37 vs £47.9)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£47.9 vs £73.37)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Braeval?
Braeval 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 11205) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
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 Braeval 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 11205) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021