Martell VS Cognac vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Martell VS CognacBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryMartellBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeBlended Malt
ABV40%52.8%
AgeNASNAS
Price£36.25£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Martell VS Cognac

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner100/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Martell VS Cognac

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Martell VS Cognac is better value at £36 vs £48.

For beginners: Martell VS Cognac is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

Martell VS Cognac

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£36.25 vs £47.9)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £36.25)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Martell?

Martell VS Cognac 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 Martell VS Cognac

VanillaHoneyCooked Fruit

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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