Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)
Lagavulin
£48
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023) | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Big Peat |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 56.4% | 52.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £47.95 | £47.9 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)
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 £48.
For beginners: Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£47.95 vs £47.9)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 £47.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023) 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
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021