Glen Elgin 14 Year Old - Derestricted vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Glen Elgin 14 Year Old - DerestrictedBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryGlen ElginBig Peat
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV53.4%52.8%
Age14 yrNAS
Price£59.95£47.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glen Elgin 14 Year Old - Derestricted

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner50/100
Value83/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Glen Elgin 14 Year Old - Derestricted

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £60.

For beginners: Glen Elgin 14 Year Old - Derestricted is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Glen Elgin 14 Year Old - Derestricted

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (53.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£59.95 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 £59.95)
  • +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 Glen?

Glen Elgin 14 Year Old - Derestricted 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.

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 Glen Elgin 14 Year Old - Derestricted

HoneyMalt ExtractFresh FruitVanillaToasted

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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