Strathcolm 12 Year Old (Alistair Forfar) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Strathcolm 12 Year Old (Alistair Forfar)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryAlistair ForfarBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeGrainBlended Malt
ABV40%52.8%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£38.95£47.9
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Strathcolm 12 Year Old (Alistair Forfar)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner85/100
Value100/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Strathcolm 12 Year Old (Alistair Forfar)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Strathcolm 12 Year Old (Alistair Forfar) is better value at £39 vs £48.

For beginners: Strathcolm 12 Year Old (Alistair Forfar) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Strathcolm 12 Year Old (Alistair Forfar)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£38.95 vs £47.9)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +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 £38.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Strathcolm?

Strathcolm 12 Year Old (Alistair Forfar) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Grain 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 Strathcolm 12 Year Old (Alistair Forfar)

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaToastedFresh Fruit

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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