Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Linkwood 14 Year Old 2009 - North Star Spirits

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Linkwood 14 Year Old 2009 - North Star Spirits
DistilleryBig PeatLinkwood
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%57.5%
AgeNAS14 yr
Price£47.9£57.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Linkwood 14 Year Old 2009 - North Star Spirits

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner55/100
Value86/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Linkwood 14 Year Old 2009 - North Star Spirits

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £58.

For beginners: Linkwood 14 Year Old 2009 - North Star Spirits is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£47.9 vs £57.95)
  • +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 14 Year Old 2009 - North Star Spirits

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£57.95 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 14 Year Old 2009 - North Star Spirits suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Only Linkwood 14 Year Old 2009 - North Star Spirits

SherriedDried FruitHoneyOld WoodChocolate

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