Islay 8 Year Old 2013 - South Star Spirits vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Islay 8 Year Old 2013 - South Star SpiritsBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistillerySouth Star SpiritsBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV48%52.8%
Age8 yrNAS
Price£42.5£47.9
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Islay 8 Year Old 2013 - South Star Spirits

Smoke67/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner50/100
Value94/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Islay 8 Year Old 2013 - South Star Spirits

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Islay 8 Year Old 2013 - South Star Spirits is better value at £43 vs £48.

For beginners: Islay 8 Year Old 2013 - South Star Spirits is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Islay 8 Year Old 2013 - South Star Spirits

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£42.5 vs £47.9)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)

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 £42.5)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Islay?

Islay 8 Year Old 2013 - South Star Spirits suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt 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

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinal

Only Islay 8 Year Old 2013 - South Star Spirits

LeatheryKipperyDried Fruit

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Coal-gasOily

Explore more