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)
Duncan Taylor
★ 4.53
£39

Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
| Black Bull 12 Year Old (Duncan Taylor) | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Duncan Taylor | Big Peat |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 50% | 52.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £38.5 | £47.9 |
| Rating | 4.53/5 | 5.00/5 |
Black Bull 12 Year Old (Duncan Taylor)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Black Bull 12 Year Old (Duncan Taylor)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
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)
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021