The Hive (Wemyss Malts) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

The Hive (Wemyss Malts)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryWemyss MaltsBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended Malt
ABV46%52.8%
AgeNASNAS
Price£40.95£47.9
Rating4.00/55.00/5

The Hive (Wemyss Malts)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner80/100
Value98/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

The Hive (Wemyss Malts)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

The Hive (Wemyss Malts) is better value at £41 vs £48.

For beginners: The Hive (Wemyss Malts) is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).

The Hive (Wemyss Malts)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£40.95 vs £47.9)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.0 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 £40.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy The?

The Hive (Wemyss Malts) 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 The Hive (Wemyss Malts)

HoneyMalt ExtractVanillaFresh Fruit

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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