Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryCragganmoreBig Peat
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV55.5%52.8%
Age17 yrNAS
Price£65.45£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £65.

For beginners: Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (55.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£65.45 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 £65.45)

Cons

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

Who should buy Cragganmore?

Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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 Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006)

ChocolateToastedVanillaHoney

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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