Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured
Aberlour
★ 4.27
£43

Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
| Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Aberlour | Big Peat |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 52.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £43.14 | £47.9 |
| Rating | 4.27/5 | 5.00/5 |
Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.27).
Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured is better value at £43 vs £48.
For beginners: Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£43.14 vs £47.9)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.3 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 £43.14)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Aberlour?
Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured 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 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021