Benrinnes 20 Year Old 1997 (casks 3017 & 3018) - Signatory vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Benrinnes 20 Year Old 1997 (casks 3017 & 3018) - SignatoryBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryBenrinnesBig Peat
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV43%52.8%
Age20 yrNAS
Price£59.95£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Benrinnes 20 Year Old 1997 (casks 3017 & 3018) - Signatory

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Benrinnes 20 Year Old 1997 (casks 3017 & 3018) - Signatory

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 £60.

For beginners: Benrinnes 20 Year Old 1997 (casks 3017 & 3018) - Signatory is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Benrinnes 20 Year Old 1997 (casks 3017 & 3018) - Signatory

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£59.95 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 £59.95)

Cons

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

Who should buy Benrinnes?

Benrinnes 20 Year Old 1997 (casks 3017 & 3018) - Signatory 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 Benrinnes 20 Year Old 1997 (casks 3017 & 3018) - Signatory

Malt ExtractHoneyToastedFresh FruitVanilla

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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