Glenallachie 23 Year Old 1989 (cask 0940) - The Coopers Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Glenallachie 23 Year Old 1989 (cask 0940) - The Coopers Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryGlenAllachieBig Peat
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV46%52.8%
Age23 yrNAS
Price£79£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Glenallachie 23 Year Old 1989 (cask 0940) - The Coopers Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner80/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value100/100

Glenallachie 23 Year Old 1989 (cask 0940) - The Coopers Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £79.

For beginners: Glenallachie 23 Year Old 1989 (cask 0940) - The Coopers Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).

Glenallachie 23 Year Old 1989 (cask 0940) - The Coopers Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£79 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 £79)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glenallachie?

Glenallachie 23 Year Old 1989 (cask 0940) - The Coopers Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) 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 Glenallachie 23 Year Old 1989 (cask 0940) - The Coopers Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

SherriedDried FruitVanillaHoneyChocolate

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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