Craigellachie 13 Year Old 2008 – The New Star (James Eadie) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Craigellachie 13 Year Old 2008 – The New Star (James Eadie)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryCraigellachieBig Peat
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV46%52.8%
Age13 yrNAS
Price£42.83£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Craigellachie 13 Year Old 2008 – The New Star (James Eadie)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Craigellachie 13 Year Old 2008 – The New Star (James Eadie)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Craigellachie 13 Year Old 2008 – The New Star (James Eadie) is better value at £43 vs £48.

For beginners: Craigellachie 13 Year Old 2008 – The New Star (James Eadie) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Craigellachie 13 Year Old 2008 – The New Star (James Eadie)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£42.83 vs £47.9)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £42.83)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Craigellachie?

Craigellachie 13 Year Old 2008 – The New Star (James Eadie) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

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 Craigellachie 13 Year Old 2008 – The New Star (James Eadie)

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaToastedOld Wood

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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