Highland Park 12 Year Old vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Highland Park 12 Year OldBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryHighland ParkBig Peat
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV40%52.8%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£38.95£47.9
Rating4.04/55.00/5

Highland Park 12 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner75/100
Value100/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Highland Park 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.04).

Highland Park 12 Year Old is better value at £39 vs £48.

For beginners: Highland Park 12 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£38.95 vs £47.9)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £38.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 12 Year Old 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

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Highland Park 12 Year Old

SherriedCitric

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

MedicinalCoal-gasOily

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