Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Master of Malt)

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Master of Malt)
DistilleryBig PeatNorth British
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltGrain
ABV52.8%54.8%
AgeNAS30 yr
Price£47.9£78.95
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £79.

For beginners: North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£47.9 vs £78.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (54.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£78.95 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 North?

North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Master of Malt) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Only North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Master of Malt)

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractOld Wood

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