Velvet Cap 5 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey - Bordeaux Wine Cask Finish vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Velvet Cap 5 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey - Bordeaux Wine Cask FinishBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryBlackwaterBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV40%52.8%
Age5 yrNAS
Price£64.5£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Velvet Cap 5 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey - Bordeaux Wine Cask Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness54/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Velvet Cap 5 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey - Bordeaux Wine Cask Finish

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 £65.

For beginners: Velvet Cap 5 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey - Bordeaux Wine Cask Finish is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Velvet Cap 5 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey - Bordeaux Wine Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£64.5 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 £64.5)

Cons

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

Who should buy Velvet?

Velvet Cap 5 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey - Bordeaux Wine Cask Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

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 Velvet Cap 5 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey - Bordeaux Wine Cask Finish

SherriedToastedFresh FruitVanillaCooked Fruit

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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