Adnams Single Malt (40%) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Adnams Single Malt (40%)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryAdnamsBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryEnglandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV40%52.8%
AgeNASNAS
Price£41.5£47.9
Rating3.00/55.00/5

Adnams Single Malt (40%)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner90/100
Value72/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Adnams Single Malt (40%)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).

Adnams Single Malt (40%) is better value at £42 vs £48.

For beginners: Adnams Single Malt (40%) is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

Adnams Single Malt (40%)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£41.5 vs £47.9)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (3.0 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 £41.5)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Adnams?

Adnams Single Malt (40%) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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 Adnams Single Malt (40%)

VanillaNew WoodFragantHoney

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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