Hinch 5 Year Old Double Wood vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Hinch 5 Year Old Double WoodBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryHinchBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeBlendedBlended Malt
ABV43%52.8%
Age5 yrNAS
Price£42.95£47.9
Rating3.80/55.00/5

Hinch 5 Year Old Double Wood

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner90/100
Value88/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Hinch 5 Year Old Double Wood

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.80).

Hinch 5 Year Old Double Wood is better value at £43 vs £48.

For beginners: Hinch 5 Year Old Double Wood is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

Hinch 5 Year Old Double Wood

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£42.95 vs £47.9)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (3.8 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)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £42.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Hinch?

Hinch 5 Year Old Double Wood 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 Hinch 5 Year Old Double Wood

New WoodVanillaFresh FruitHoneyMalt Extract

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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