Islay 6 Year Old - Single Minded (Douglas Laing) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Islay 6 Year Old - Single Minded (Douglas Laing)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryDouglas LaingBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV48.4%52.8%
Age6 yrNAS
Price£55.24£47.9
Rating3.50/55.00/5

Islay 6 Year Old - Single Minded (Douglas Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value63/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Islay 6 Year Old - Single Minded (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.50).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £55.

For beginners: Islay 6 Year Old - Single Minded (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Islay 6 Year Old - Single Minded (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£55.24 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (3.5 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 £55.24)

Cons

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

Who should buy Islay?

Islay 6 Year Old - Single Minded (Douglas Laing) 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

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinalOily

Only Islay 6 Year Old - Single Minded (Douglas Laing)

Leathery

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Coal-gas

Explore more