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)
Adelphi
★ 5.00
£65

Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
| Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi) | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Adelphi | Big Peat |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 56.1% | 52.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £64.95 | £47.9 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
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