North British 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 5946673) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Big Peat Halloween Edition

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

North British 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 5946673) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)Big Peat Halloween Edition
DistilleryNorth BritishBig Peat
RegionLowlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeGrainBlended Malt
ABV54.3%48%
Age16 yrNAS
Price£57.5£48.67
Rating5.00/5

North British 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 5946673) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Big Peat Halloween Edition

Smoke63/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

North British 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 5946673) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat Halloween Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat Halloween Edition is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Big Peat Halloween Edition is better value at £49 vs £58.

For beginners: North British 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 5946673) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

North British 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 5946673) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (54.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£57.5 vs £48.67)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Big Peat Halloween Edition

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£48.67 vs £57.5)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy North?

North British 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 5946673) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Big?

Big Peat Halloween Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Only North British 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 5946673) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Cooked FruitHoneySherriedVanillaOld Wood

Only Big Peat Halloween Edition

SmokeyCoal-gasDried Fruit

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