Mortlach 12 Year Old vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Mortlach 12 Year OldBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryMortlachBig Peat
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV43.4%52.8%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£65.8£47.9
Rating4.38/55.00/5

Mortlach 12 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner65/100
Value67/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Mortlach 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.38).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £66.

For beginners: Mortlach 12 Year Old is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Mortlach 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£65.8 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (4.4 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 £65.8)

Cons

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

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 12 Year Old 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 Mortlach 12 Year Old

Cooked MashSherriedToastedDried Fruit

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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