Porte Noire Cognac VSOP vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Porte Noire Cognac VSOP | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Porte Noire | Big Peat |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 52.8% |
| Age | NAS | NAS |
| Price | £70.5 | £47.9 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Porte Noire Cognac VSOP
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Porte Noire Cognac VSOP
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
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 £71.
For beginners: Porte Noire Cognac VSOP is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).
Porte Noire Cognac VSOP
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£70.5 vs £47.9)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 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 affordable (£47.9 vs £70.5)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Porte?
Porte Noire Cognac VSOP 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 Porte Noire Cognac VSOP
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021