Aberlour 9 Year Old 2009 (cask 150026) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Aberlour 9 Year Old 2009 (cask 150026) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryAberlourBig Peat
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV55%52.8%
Age9 yrNAS
Price£73.95£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Aberlour 9 Year Old 2009 (cask 150026) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Aberlour 9 Year Old 2009 (cask 150026) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £74.

For beginners: Aberlour 9 Year Old 2009 (cask 150026) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Aberlour 9 Year Old 2009 (cask 150026) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£73.95 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 £73.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Aberlour?

Aberlour 9 Year Old 2009 (cask 150026) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 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 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 9 Year Old 2009 (cask 150026) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SherriedDried FruitChocolateToastedHoney

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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