Macduff 17 Year Old 1990 Cask 3905 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Macduff 17 Year Old 1990 Cask 3905 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryMacduffBig Peat
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV50%52.8%
Age17 yrNAS
Price£47.62£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Macduff 17 Year Old 1990 Cask 3905 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Macduff 17 Year Old 1990 Cask 3905 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Macduff 17 Year Old 1990 Cask 3905 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) is better value at £48 vs £48.

For beginners: Macduff 17 Year Old 1990 Cask 3905 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Macduff 17 Year Old 1990 Cask 3905 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£47.62 vs £47.9)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £47.62)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Macduff?

Macduff 17 Year Old 1990 Cask 3905 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) 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 Macduff 17 Year Old 1990 Cask 3905 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

SherriedHoneyDried FruitOld WoodNutty

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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