Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryAdelphiBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV56.1%52.8%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£64.95£47.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi)

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner25/100
Value77/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £65.

For beginners: Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£64.95 vs £47.9)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£47.9 vs £64.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Breath?

Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi) 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.

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

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinalOilyCoal-gas

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