Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Big Peat | Bell's |
| Region | Islay | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 52.8% | 40% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £47.9 | £59.99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £60.
For beginners: Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£47.9 vs £59.99)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£59.99 vs £47.9)
- −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 Bell's?
Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s 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
Only Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s