Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Benrinnes 1997 (bottled 2013) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
Benrinnes 1997 (bottled 2013) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Benrinnes
£36
| Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | Benrinnes 1997 (bottled 2013) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Big Peat | Benrinnes |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 52.8% | 46% |
| Age | NAS | 16 yr |
| Price | £47.9 | £36.13 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Benrinnes 1997 (bottled 2013) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Benrinnes 1997 (bottled 2013) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Benrinnes 1997 (bottled 2013) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £36 vs £48.
For beginners: Benrinnes 1997 (bottled 2013) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (75/100 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 £36.13)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Benrinnes 1997 (bottled 2013) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£36.13 vs £47.9)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −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 Benrinnes?
Benrinnes 1997 (bottled 2013) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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
Only Benrinnes 1997 (bottled 2013) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)