Timorous Beastie's Finest 5 Year Old 2018 (cask 18265) Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Timorous Beastie's Finest 5 Year Old 2018 (cask 18265) Old Particular (Douglas Laing)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryTimorous BeastieBig Peat
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV48.4%52.8%
Age5 yrNAS
Price£37.52£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Timorous Beastie's Finest 5 Year Old 2018 (cask 18265) Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Timorous Beastie's Finest 5 Year Old 2018 (cask 18265) Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Timorous Beastie's Finest 5 Year Old 2018 (cask 18265) Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £38 vs £48.

For beginners: Timorous Beastie's Finest 5 Year Old 2018 (cask 18265) Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Timorous Beastie's Finest 5 Year Old 2018 (cask 18265) Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£37.52 vs £47.9)

Cons

  • 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £37.52)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Timorous?

Timorous Beastie's Finest 5 Year Old 2018 (cask 18265) Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland 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 Timorous Beastie's Finest 5 Year Old 2018 (cask 18265) Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Malt ExtractFresh FruitToastedYeasty

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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