McConnell's 5 Year Old Irish Whiskey vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| McConnell's 5 Year Old Irish Whiskey | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | McConnell's | Big Peat |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 42% | 52.8% |
| Age | 5 yr | NAS |
| Price | £36.5 | £47.9 |
| Rating | 4.40/5 | 5.00/5 |
McConnell's 5 Year Old Irish Whiskey
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
McConnell's 5 Year Old Irish Whiskey
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.40).
McConnell's 5 Year Old Irish Whiskey is better value at £37 vs £48.
For beginners: McConnell's 5 Year Old Irish Whiskey is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
McConnell's 5 Year Old Irish Whiskey
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£36.5 vs £47.9)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.4 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 £36.5)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy McConnell's?
McConnell's 5 Year Old Irish Whiskey 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 McConnell's 5 Year Old Irish Whiskey
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021