Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Bunnahabhain 12 Year OldBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryBunnahabhainBig Peat
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV46.3%52.8%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£41.39£47.9
Rating4.42/55.00/5

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old

Smoke67/100
Sweetness85/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.42).

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old is better value at £41 vs £48.

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

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£41.39 vs £47.9)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.4 vs 5.0)

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £41.39)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Bunnahabhain?

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinalOily

Only Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old

HoneyKippery

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Coal-gas

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