Spirit of the Downs English Sussex Brandy, 50cl vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Spirit of the Downs English Sussex Brandy, 50clBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistillerySpirit of the DownsBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeBlended Malt
ABV40%52.8%
AgeNASNAS
Price£37.99£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Spirit of the Downs English Sussex Brandy, 50cl

Smoke0/100
Sweetness41/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Spirit of the Downs English Sussex Brandy, 50cl

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Spirit of the Downs English Sussex Brandy, 50cl is better value at £38 vs £48.

For beginners: Spirit of the Downs English Sussex Brandy, 50cl is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Spirit of the Downs English Sussex Brandy, 50cl

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£37.99 vs £47.9)

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 £37.99)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Spirit?

Spirit of the Downs English Sussex Brandy, 50cl suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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 Spirit of the Downs English Sussex Brandy, 50cl

HoneyNuttyToastedFragant

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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