Glen Garioch 12 Year Old vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Glen Garioch 12 Year OldBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryGlen GariochBig Peat
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV48%52.8%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£44.25£47.9
Rating4.42/55.00/5

Glen Garioch 12 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner60/100
Value100/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Glen Garioch 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.42).

Glen Garioch 12 Year Old is better value at £44 vs £48.

For beginners: Glen Garioch 12 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Glen Garioch 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +More affordable (£44.25 vs £47.9)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.4 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 £44.25)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Garioch 12 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland 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 Glen Garioch 12 Year Old

HoneyToastedMalt ExtractVanillaSherried

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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