Piper Heidsieck Essentiel Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Piper Heidsieck Essentiel Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut ChampagneBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryPiper HeidsieckBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeBlended Malt
ABV40%52.8%
AgeNASNAS
Price£65.25£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Piper Heidsieck Essentiel Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Piper Heidsieck Essentiel Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne

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 £65.

For beginners: Piper Heidsieck Essentiel Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Piper Heidsieck Essentiel Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£65.25 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 £65.25)

Cons

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

Who should buy Piper?

Piper Heidsieck Essentiel Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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 Piper Heidsieck Essentiel Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne

CitricFresh FruitFragantYeastyHoney

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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