Balmenach 14 Year Old 2001 (cask 12129) - The Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balmenach 14 Year Old 2001 (cask 12129) - The Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)
Balmenach
£60
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
| Balmenach 14 Year Old 2001 (cask 12129) - The Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing) | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balmenach | Big Peat |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 50% | 52.8% |
| Age | 14 yr | NAS |
| Price | £60.05 | £47.9 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Balmenach 14 Year Old 2001 (cask 12129) - The Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Balmenach 14 Year Old 2001 (cask 12129) - The Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)
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 £60.
For beginners: Balmenach 14 Year Old 2001 (cask 12129) - The Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Balmenach 14 Year Old 2001 (cask 12129) - The Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −More expensive (£60.05 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 £60.05)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Balmenach?
Balmenach 14 Year Old 2001 (cask 12129) - The Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing) 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 Balmenach 14 Year Old 2001 (cask 12129) - The Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021