Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs The Irishman 12 Year Old (2016 Release)

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021The Irishman 12 Year Old (2016 Release)
DistilleryBig PeatWalsh
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%43%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£47.9£55.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

The Irishman 12 Year Old (2016 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner90/100
Value89/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Irishman 12 Year Old (2016 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £56.

For beginners: The Irishman 12 Year Old (2016 Release) is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£47.9 vs £55.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

The Irishman 12 Year Old (2016 Release)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£55.95 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 The?

The Irishman 12 Year Old (2016 Release) 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 The Irishman 12 Year Old (2016 Release)

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractFresh Fruit

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