Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Crabbie 1988

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Crabbie 1988
DistilleryBig PeatJohn Crabbie & Co.
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%40%
AgeNAS30 yr
Price£47.9£64.06
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Crabbie 1988

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Crabbie 1988

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 £64.

For beginners: Crabbie 1988 is more approachable (75/100 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 £64.06)

Cons

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

Crabbie 1988

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£64.06 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Crabbie?

Crabbie 1988 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 Crabbie 1988

Old WoodHoneyVanillaToastedMalt Extract

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