Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt)
Balmenach
★ 4.63
£45
| Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Big Peat | Balmenach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 52.8% | 57.8% |
| Age | NAS | 8 yr |
| Price | £47.9 | £44.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.63/5 |
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.63).
Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt) is better value at £45 vs £48.
For beginners: Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£47.9 vs £44.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +More affordable (£44.95 vs £47.9)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (57.8%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.6 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 Balmenach?
Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt) 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 Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt)