Glen Elgin 12 Year Old 2009 Syrah Edition - DS Tayman vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Glen Elgin 12 Year Old 2009 Syrah Edition - DS TaymanBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryGlen ElginBig Peat
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV46%52.8%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£49.9£47.9
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Glen Elgin 12 Year Old 2009 Syrah Edition - DS Tayman

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner65/100
Value80/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Glen Elgin 12 Year Old 2009 Syrah Edition - DS Tayman

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £50.

For beginners: Glen Elgin 12 Year Old 2009 Syrah Edition - DS Tayman is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Glen Elgin 12 Year Old 2009 Syrah Edition - DS Tayman

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£49.9 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (4.0 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 affordable (£47.9 vs £49.9)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Elgin 12 Year Old 2009 Syrah Edition - DS Tayman suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside 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 Glen Elgin 12 Year Old 2009 Syrah Edition - DS Tayman

New WoodCooked FruitVanillaFresh FruitToasted

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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