Strathisla 18 Year Old 1997 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Strathisla 18 Year Old 1997 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Strathisla
★ 5.00
£68
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
| Strathisla 18 Year Old 1997 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Strathisla | Big Peat |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 56.9% | 52.8% |
| Age | 18 yr | NAS |
| Price | £68.07 | £47.9 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Strathisla 18 Year Old 1997 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Strathisla 18 Year Old 1997 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £68.
For beginners: Strathisla 18 Year Old 1997 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Strathisla 18 Year Old 1997 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −High ABV (56.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£68.07 vs £47.9)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£47.9 vs £68.07)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Strathisla?
Strathisla 18 Year Old 1997 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) 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.
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 Strathisla 18 Year Old 1997 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021