Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48

Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)
North Star Spirits
£48
| Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Big Peat | North Star Spirits |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 52.8% | 51.4% |
| Age | NAS | 11 yr |
| Price | £47.9 | £47.84 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits) is better value at £48 vs £48.
For beginners: Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits) is more approachable (50/100 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 £47.84)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)
Pros
- +More affordable (£47.84 vs £47.9)
Cons
- −High ABV (51.4%) — may need water
- −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 Near?
Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits) 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.
Tasting notes
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Only Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)