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 2021Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)
DistilleryBig PeatNorth Star Spirits
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%51.4%
AgeNAS11 yr
Price£47.9£47.84
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Only Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaToasted

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