BenRiach 16 Year Old - Pre 2017 vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| BenRiach 16 Year Old - Pre 2017 | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Benriach | Big Peat |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 52.8% |
| Age | 16 yr | NAS |
| Price | £59.95 | £47.9 |
| Rating | 4.33/5 | 5.00/5 |
BenRiach 16 Year Old - Pre 2017
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
BenRiach 16 Year Old - Pre 2017
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.33).
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £60.
For beginners: BenRiach 16 Year Old - Pre 2017 is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
BenRiach 16 Year Old - Pre 2017
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£59.95 vs £47.9)
- −Lower community rating (4.3 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 £59.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy BenRiach?
BenRiach 16 Year Old - Pre 2017 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 BenRiach 16 Year Old - Pre 2017
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021