Auchroisk 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 801418) - Single Cask Series (The Red Cask Company) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Auchroisk 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 801418) - Single Cask Series (The Red Cask Company)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryAuchroiskBig Peat
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV55.5%52.8%
Age13 yrNAS
Price£75£47.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Auchroisk 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 801418) - Single Cask Series (The Red Cask Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness51/100
Beginner40/100
Value67/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Auchroisk 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 801418) - Single Cask Series (The Red Cask Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £75.

For beginners: Auchroisk 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 801418) - Single Cask Series (The Red Cask Company) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Auchroisk 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 801418) - Single Cask Series (The Red Cask Company)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£75 vs £47.9)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£47.9 vs £75)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Who should buy Auchroisk?

Auchroisk 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 801418) - Single Cask Series (The Red Cask Company) 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 Auchroisk 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 801418) - Single Cask Series (The Red Cask Company)

SherriedHoneyToastedDried FruitNutty

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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