Ardmore 11 Year Old 2011 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Ardmore 11 Year Old 2011 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryArdmoreBig Peat
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV56.7%52.8%
Age11 yrNAS
Price£70£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Ardmore 11 Year Old 2011 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Ardmore 11 Year Old 2011 - 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 £70.

For beginners: Ardmore 11 Year Old 2011 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Ardmore 11 Year Old 2011 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (56.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£70 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 £70)

Cons

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

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 11 Year Old 2011 - 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 Ardmore 11 Year Old 2011 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SherriedCooked FruitVanillaToasted

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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