Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Linkwood 9 Year Old 2012 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Linkwood 9 Year Old 2012 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
DistilleryBig PeatLinkwood
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%50%
AgeNAS9 yr
Price£47.9£60.84
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Linkwood 9 Year Old 2012 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner60/100
Value82/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Linkwood 9 Year Old 2012 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £61.

For beginners: Linkwood 9 Year Old 2012 - Benchmark (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
  • +More affordable (£47.9 vs £60.84)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Linkwood 9 Year Old 2012 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£60.84 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 Linkwood?

Linkwood 9 Year Old 2012 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Only Linkwood 9 Year Old 2012 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SherriedCooked FruitHoneyToastedDried Fruit

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