Royal Brackla 12 Year Old 1999 - NC2 (Duncan Taylor) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Royal Brackla 12 Year Old 1999 - NC2 (Duncan Taylor)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryBracklaBig Peat
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV46%52.8%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£48.95£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Royal Brackla 12 Year Old 1999 - NC2 (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness51/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Royal Brackla 12 Year Old 1999 - NC2 (Duncan Taylor)

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 £49.

For beginners: Royal Brackla 12 Year Old 1999 - NC2 (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Royal Brackla 12 Year Old 1999 - NC2 (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • More expensive (£48.95 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 £48.95)

Cons

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

Who should buy Royal?

Royal Brackla 12 Year Old 1999 - NC2 (Duncan Taylor) 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 Royal Brackla 12 Year Old 1999 - NC2 (Duncan Taylor)

Malt ExtractToastedFresh FruitHoney

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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