Glencadam 12 Year Old Portwood Finish vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Glencadam 12 Year Old Portwood FinishBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryGlencadamBig Peat
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV46%52.8%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£44.83£47.9
Rating4.80/55.00/5

Glencadam 12 Year Old Portwood Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Glencadam 12 Year Old Portwood Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.80).

Glencadam 12 Year Old Portwood Finish is better value at £45 vs £48.

For beginners: Glencadam 12 Year Old Portwood Finish is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Glencadam 12 Year Old Portwood Finish

Pros

  • +More affordable (£44.83 vs £47.9)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £44.83)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glencadam?

Glencadam 12 Year Old Portwood Finish 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 Glencadam 12 Year Old Portwood Finish

SherriedVanillaCooked FruitToastedDried Fruit

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Explore more