The Hive 12 Year Old (Wemyss Malts) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| The Hive 12 Year Old (Wemyss Malts) | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Wemyss Malts | Big Peat |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 52.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £42.34 | £47.9 |
| Rating | 3.75/5 | 5.00/5 |
The Hive 12 Year Old (Wemyss Malts)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
The Hive 12 Year Old (Wemyss Malts)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.75).
The Hive 12 Year Old (Wemyss Malts) is better value at £42 vs £48.
For beginners: The Hive 12 Year Old (Wemyss Malts) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
The Hive 12 Year Old (Wemyss Malts)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£42.34 vs £47.9)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (3.8 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)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£47.9 vs £42.34)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy The?
The Hive 12 Year Old (Wemyss Malts) 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 The Hive 12 Year Old (Wemyss Malts)
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021