Glencadam 13 Year Old 2008 Réserve de Sauternes vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Glencadam 13 Year Old 2008 Réserve de SauternesBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryGlencadamBig Peat
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV46%52.8%
Age13 yrNAS
Price£70.9£47.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glencadam 13 Year Old 2008 Réserve de Sauternes

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner80/100
Value71/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Glencadam 13 Year Old 2008 Réserve de Sauternes

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £71.

For beginners: Glencadam 13 Year Old 2008 Réserve de Sauternes is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).

Glencadam 13 Year Old 2008 Réserve de Sauternes

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£70.9 vs £47.9)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£47.9 vs £70.9)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Who should buy Glencadam?

Glencadam 13 Year Old 2008 Réserve de Sauternes 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 Glencadam 13 Year Old 2008 Réserve de Sauternes

Cooked FruitHoneyCitricVanilla

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Explore more