Ardmore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 335) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Ardmore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 335) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryArdmoreBig Peat
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV51.5%52.8%
Age8 yrNAS
Price£61.95£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Ardmore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 335) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness67/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Ardmore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 335) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

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 £62.

For beginners: Ardmore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 335) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Ardmore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 335) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (51.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£61.95 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 £61.95)

Cons

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

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 335) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 335) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

HoneyDried FruitVanillaSherriedMalt Extract

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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