Linkwood 11 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Linkwood 11 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryLinkwoodBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV46.7%52.8%
Age11 yrNAS
Price£34.95£47.9
Rating4.60/55.00/5

Linkwood 11 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner70/100
Value100/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Linkwood 11 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.60).

Linkwood 11 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt) is better value at £35 vs £48.

For beginners: Linkwood 11 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Linkwood 11 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£34.95 vs £47.9)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.6 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)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £34.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Linkwood?

Linkwood 11 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt 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 Linkwood 11 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt)

HoneyMalt ExtractVanillaFresh FruitToasted

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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