Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 - DS Tayman vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 - DS TaymanBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryLinkwoodBig Peat
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV46%52.8%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£49.95£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 - DS Tayman

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner80/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 - DS Tayman

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 £50.

For beginners: Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 - DS Tayman is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 - DS Tayman

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£49.95 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 £49.95)

Cons

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

Who should buy Linkwood?

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 - DS Tayman is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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 Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 - DS Tayman

SherriedFresh FruitHoneyCooked FruitVanilla

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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