Loch Lomond 18 Year Old 1996 (casks 42929, 42970 & 42980) - Select Grain (Murray McDavid) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Loch Lomond 18 Year Old 1996 (casks 42929, 42970 & 42980) - Select Grain (Murray McDavid)
Loch Lomond
£61
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
| Loch Lomond 18 Year Old 1996 (casks 42929, 42970 & 42980) - Select Grain (Murray McDavid) | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Loch Lomond | Big Peat |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 52.8% |
| Age | 18 yr | NAS |
| Price | £60.95 | £47.9 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Loch Lomond 18 Year Old 1996 (casks 42929, 42970 & 42980) - Select Grain (Murray McDavid)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Loch Lomond 18 Year Old 1996 (casks 42929, 42970 & 42980) - Select Grain (Murray McDavid)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £61.
For beginners: Loch Lomond 18 Year Old 1996 (casks 42929, 42970 & 42980) - Select Grain (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).
Loch Lomond 18 Year Old 1996 (casks 42929, 42970 & 42980) - Select Grain (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£60.95 vs £47.9)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 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 affordable (£47.9 vs £60.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Loch?
Loch Lomond 18 Year Old 1996 (casks 42929, 42970 & 42980) - Select Grain (Murray McDavid) 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 Loch Lomond 18 Year Old 1996 (casks 42929, 42970 & 42980) - Select Grain (Murray McDavid)
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021