Mortlach 15 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Mortlach 15 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryMortlachBig Peat
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV50%52.8%
Age15 yrNAS
Price£65.81£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Mortlach 15 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Mortlach 15 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

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 £66.

For beginners: Mortlach 15 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Mortlach 15 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • More expensive (£65.81 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 £65.81)

Cons

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

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 15 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside 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 Mortlach 15 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Malt ExtractToastedHoneyVanillaDried Fruit

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Explore more