Big Peat at Christmas 2018 vs Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2018Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
DistilleryBig PeatBruichladdich
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.9%50%
AgeNAS6 yr
Price£49.95£66.95
Rating4.43/55.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2018

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner40/100
Value89/100

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

Smoke65/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner50/100
Value75/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2018

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.43).

Big Peat at Christmas 2018 is better value at £50 vs £67.

For beginners: Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Big Peat at Christmas 2018

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£49.95 vs £66.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.4 vs 5.0)

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£66.95 vs £49.95)

Who should buy Big?

Big Peat at Christmas 2018 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 Port?

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyOily

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2018

Dried FruitLeathery

Only Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

KipperyFresh Fruit

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