Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Big Peat |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 53.7% | 52.8% |
| Age | 20 yr | NAS |
| Price | £60.45 | £47.9 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £60.
For beginners: Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£60.45 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 £60.45)
- +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 Balblair?
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) 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 Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021