Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Connemara Peated

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Connemara Peated
DistilleryBig PeatConnemara
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%40%
AgeNASNAS
Price£47.9£37.99
Rating5.00/53.78/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Connemara Peated

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner85/100
Value99/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Connemara Peated

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.78).

Connemara Peated is better value at £38 vs £48.

For beginners: Connemara Peated is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

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 £37.99)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Connemara Peated

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£37.99 vs £47.9)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (3.8 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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.

Who should buy Connemara?

Connemara Peated 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.

Tasting notes

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Only Connemara Peated

SherriedCooked FruitDried FruitOld WoodHoney

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