Mars Maltage Cosmo vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Mars Maltage CosmoBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryMarsBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryJapanScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended Malt
ABV43%52.8%
AgeNASNAS
Price£56.5£47.9
Rating3.21/55.00/5

Mars Maltage Cosmo

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner75/100
Value57/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Mars Maltage Cosmo

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.21).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £57.

For beginners: Mars Maltage Cosmo is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Mars Maltage Cosmo

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£56.5 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (3.2 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 £56.5)

Cons

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

Who should buy Mars?

Mars Maltage Cosmo suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt 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 Mars Maltage Cosmo

Malt ExtractVanillaToastedOld Wood

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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