North Highland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 8 Year Old - Batch 3 (Thompson Bros.) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

North Highland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 8 Year Old - Batch 3 (Thompson Bros.)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryThompson Bros.Big Peat
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended Malt
ABV44.9%52.8%
AgeNASNAS
Price£36.95£47.9
Rating5.00/5

North Highland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 8 Year Old - Batch 3 (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

North Highland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 8 Year Old - Batch 3 (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

North Highland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 8 Year Old - Batch 3 (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £37 vs £48.

For beginners: North Highland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 8 Year Old - Batch 3 (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

North Highland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 8 Year Old - Batch 3 (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£36.95 vs £47.9)

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 £36.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy North?

North Highland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 8 Year Old - Batch 3 (Thompson Bros.) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended 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 North Highland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 8 Year Old - Batch 3 (Thompson Bros.)

Fresh FruitMalt ExtractHoneySandy

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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