Bache Gabrielsen American Oak Cognac vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Bache Gabrielsen American Oak CognacBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryBache GabrielsenBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeBlended Malt
ABV40%52.8%
AgeNASNAS
Price£36.25£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Bache Gabrielsen American Oak Cognac

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Bache Gabrielsen American Oak Cognac

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Bache Gabrielsen American Oak Cognac is better value at £36 vs £48.

For beginners: Bache Gabrielsen American Oak Cognac is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Bache Gabrielsen American Oak Cognac

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£36.25 vs £47.9)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £36.25)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Bache?

Bache Gabrielsen American Oak Cognac 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 Bache Gabrielsen American Oak Cognac

VanillaChocolateNuttyNew WoodCooked Fruit

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Explore more