Mortlach 1998 (Berry Bros. & Rudd) vs Big Peat 10 Year Old

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

Mortlach 1998 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)Big Peat 10 Year Old
DistilleryMortlachBig Peat
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV56.8%46%
Age13 yr10 yr
Price£49.95£61.85
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Mortlach 1998 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness51/100
Beginner40/100
Value80/100

Big Peat 10 Year Old

Smoke65/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner50/100
Value81/100

Mortlach 1998 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat 10 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat 10 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Mortlach 1998 (Berry Bros. & Rudd) is better value at £50 vs £62.

For beginners: Big Peat 10 Year Old is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Mortlach 1998 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£49.95 vs £61.85)
  • +Longer maturation (13 vs 10 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (56.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Big Peat 10 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£61.85 vs £49.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 1998 (Berry Bros. & Rudd) 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 10 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Only Mortlach 1998 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

HoneyMalt ExtractToastedFresh FruitOld Wood

Only Big Peat 10 Year Old

SmokeyOilyKipperyVegetative

Where to buy

Mortlach 1998 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

Big Peat 10 Year Old

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