Tomatin 2011 / Discovery Series / Gordon & MacPhail Highland Whisky vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Tomatin 2011 / Discovery Series / Gordon & MacPhail Highland WhiskyBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryTomatinBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeBlended Malt
ABV40%52.8%
AgeNASNAS
Price£48.95£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Tomatin 2011 / Discovery Series / Gordon & MacPhail Highland Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner90/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Tomatin 2011 / Discovery Series / Gordon & MacPhail Highland Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £49.

For beginners: Tomatin 2011 / Discovery Series / Gordon & MacPhail Highland Whisky is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

Tomatin 2011 / Discovery Series / Gordon & MacPhail Highland Whisky

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£48.95 vs £47.9)
  • 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 affordable (£47.9 vs £48.95)

Cons

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

Who should buy Tomatin?

Tomatin 2011 / Discovery Series / Gordon & MacPhail Highland Whisky 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 Tomatin 2011 / Discovery Series / Gordon & MacPhail Highland Whisky

Fresh FruitVanillaCitric

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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