Shortcross 5 Year Old Distiller’s Duo Blended Irish Whiskey vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Shortcross 5 Year Old Distiller’s Duo Blended Irish Whiskey
Shortcross
£52

Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
| Shortcross 5 Year Old Distiller’s Duo Blended Irish Whiskey | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Shortcross | Big Peat |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Irish | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 52.8% |
| Age | NAS | NAS |
| Price | £51.5 | £47.9 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Shortcross 5 Year Old Distiller’s Duo Blended Irish Whiskey
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Shortcross 5 Year Old Distiller’s Duo Blended Irish Whiskey
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
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 £52.
For beginners: Shortcross 5 Year Old Distiller’s Duo Blended Irish Whiskey is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Shortcross 5 Year Old Distiller’s Duo Blended Irish Whiskey
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£51.5 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 £51.5)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Shortcross?
Shortcross 5 Year Old Distiller’s Duo Blended Irish Whiskey 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 Shortcross 5 Year Old Distiller’s Duo Blended Irish Whiskey
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021