Secret Speyside 16 Year Old 2006 (Thompson Bros.) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Secret Speyside 16 Year Old 2006 (Thompson Bros.)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryThompson Bros.Big Peat
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV51.1%52.8%
Age16 yrNAS
Price£69.95£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Secret Speyside 16 Year Old 2006 (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Secret Speyside 16 Year Old 2006 (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £70.

For beginners: Secret Speyside 16 Year Old 2006 (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Secret Speyside 16 Year Old 2006 (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (51.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£69.95 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 £69.95)

Cons

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

Who should buy Secret?

Secret Speyside 16 Year Old 2006 (Thompson Bros.) 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.

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 Secret Speyside 16 Year Old 2006 (Thompson Bros.)

SherriedCooked FruitDried FruitOld WoodNutty

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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