Black Bull 12 Year Old (Duncan Taylor) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Black Bull 12 Year Old (Duncan Taylor)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryDuncan TaylorBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedBlended Malt
ABV50%52.8%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£38.5£47.9
Rating4.53/55.00/5

Black Bull 12 Year Old (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value100/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Black Bull 12 Year Old (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.53).

Black Bull 12 Year Old (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £39 vs £48.

For beginners: Black Bull 12 Year Old (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Black Bull 12 Year Old (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£38.5 vs £47.9)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.5 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 £38.5)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Black?

Black Bull 12 Year Old (Duncan Taylor) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended 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 Black Bull 12 Year Old (Duncan Taylor)

Malt ExtractToastedVanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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