Mortlach 14 Year Old 1997 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Mortlach 14 Year Old 1997 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryMortlachBig Peat
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV46%52.8%
Age14 yrNAS
Price£51.48£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Mortlach 14 Year Old 1997 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner80/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Mortlach 14 Year Old 1997 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £51.

For beginners: Mortlach 14 Year Old 1997 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).

Mortlach 14 Year Old 1997 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£51.48 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 £51.48)

Cons

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

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 14 Year Old 1997 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) 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 Mortlach 14 Year Old 1997 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

LeatheryTobaccoOld WoodDried FruitHoney

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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