Aberlour 10 Year Old Forest Reserve vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Aberlour 10 Year Old Forest ReserveBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryAberlourBig Peat
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV40%52.8%
Age10 yrNAS
Price£40.38£47.9
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Aberlour 10 Year Old Forest Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner75/100
Value99/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Aberlour 10 Year Old Forest Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Aberlour 10 Year Old Forest Reserve is better value at £40 vs £48.

For beginners: Aberlour 10 Year Old Forest Reserve is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Aberlour 10 Year Old Forest Reserve

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£40.38 vs £47.9)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £40.38)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Aberlour?

Aberlour 10 Year Old Forest Reserve is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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.

Tasting notes

Only Aberlour 10 Year Old Forest Reserve

SherriedHoneyVanillaToastedFresh Fruit

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Explore more