Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Macduff 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 5852) - Ancient Mariner
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
Macduff 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 5852) - Ancient Mariner
Macduff
★ 3.33
£56
| Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | Macduff 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 5852) - Ancient Mariner | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Big Peat | Macduff |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 52.8% | 46.1% |
| Age | NAS | 18 yr |
| Price | £47.9 | £55.99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 3.33/5 |
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Macduff 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 5852) - Ancient Mariner
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Macduff 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 5852) - Ancient Mariner
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.33).
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £56.
For beginners: Macduff 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 5852) - Ancient Mariner 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 affordable (£47.9 vs £55.99)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Macduff 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 5852) - Ancient Mariner
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£55.99 vs £47.9)
- −Lower community rating (3.3 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 Macduff?
Macduff 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 5852) - Ancient Mariner suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Only Macduff 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 5852) - Ancient Mariner