Glenrothes 11 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Glenrothes 11 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryGlenrothesBig Peat
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV43%52.8%
Age11 yrNAS
Price£46.95£47.9
Rating4.67/55.00/5

Glenrothes 11 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner75/100
Value99/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Glenrothes 11 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.67).

Glenrothes 11 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £47 vs £48.

For beginners: Glenrothes 11 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Glenrothes 11 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£46.95 vs £47.9)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.7 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 £46.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glenrothes?

Glenrothes 11 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Glenrothes 11 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

SherriedChocolateCooked FruitHoneyToasted

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Explore more