Speyside & Lowland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Speyside & Lowland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling)
Douglas Laing
★ 5.00
£37
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
| Speyside & Lowland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling) | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Douglas Laing | Big Peat |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 52.8% |
| Age | NAS | NAS |
| Price | £36.52 | £47.9 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Speyside & Lowland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Speyside & Lowland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Quick verdict
Speyside & Lowland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling) is better value at £37 vs £48.
For beginners: Speyside & Lowland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Speyside & Lowland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£36.52 vs £47.9)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£47.9 vs £36.52)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Speyside?
Speyside & Lowland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling) 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 Speyside & Lowland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling)
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021