Akashi Blue Label vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Akashi Blue LabelBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryEigashima ShuzōBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryJapanScotland
TypeBlendedBlended Malt
ABV40%52.8%
AgeNASNAS
Price£38.14£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Akashi Blue Label

Smoke0/100
Sweetness78/100
Beginner100/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Akashi Blue Label

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Akashi Blue Label is better value at £38 vs £48.

For beginners: Akashi Blue Label is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

Akashi Blue Label

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£38.14 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 £38.14)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Akashi?

Akashi Blue Label 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 Akashi Blue Label

SherriedVanillaHoney

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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