Glenmorangie 12 Year Old Barrel Select Release - Palo Cortado Finish vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Glenmorangie 12 Year Old Barrel Select Release - Palo Cortado FinishBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryGlenmorangieBig Peat
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV46%52.8%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£71.25£47.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glenmorangie 12 Year Old Barrel Select Release - Palo Cortado Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner65/100
Value70/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Glenmorangie 12 Year Old Barrel Select Release - Palo Cortado Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £71.

For beginners: Glenmorangie 12 Year Old Barrel Select Release - Palo Cortado Finish is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Glenmorangie 12 Year Old Barrel Select Release - Palo Cortado Finish

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£71.25 vs £47.9)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£47.9 vs £71.25)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Who should buy Glenmorangie?

Glenmorangie 12 Year Old Barrel Select Release - Palo Cortado Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland 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 Glenmorangie 12 Year Old Barrel Select Release - Palo Cortado Finish

SherriedHoneyVanillaToastedDried Fruit

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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