Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Peatside 5 Year Old 2011 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Peatside 5 Year Old 2011 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)
DistilleryBig PeatMurray McDavid
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended Malt
ABV52.8%46%
AgeNAS5 yr
Price£47.9£39.95
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Peatside 5 Year Old 2011 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness35/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Peatside 5 Year Old 2011 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Peatside 5 Year Old 2011 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) is better value at £40 vs £48.

For beginners: Peatside 5 Year Old 2011 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (60/100 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £39.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Peatside 5 Year Old 2011 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£39.95 vs £47.9)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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 Peatside?

Peatside 5 Year Old 2011 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

MedicinalCoal-gasOily

Only Peatside 5 Year Old 2011 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)

ToastedFresh FruitOld Wood

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