Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) vs Big Peat The Peatrichor Edition - Fèis Ìle 2021

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

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)Big Peat The Peatrichor Edition - Fèis Ìle 2021
DistilleryBalblairBig Peat
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV50%53.8%
Age20 yrNAS
Price£69.3£46.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner60/100
Value72/100

Big Peat The Peatrichor Edition - Fèis Ìle 2021

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value100/100

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat The Peatrichor Edition - Fèis Ìle 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat The Peatrichor Edition - Fèis Ìle 2021 is better value at £47 vs £69.

For beginners: Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£69.3 vs £46.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Big Peat The Peatrichor Edition - Fèis Ìle 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£46.95 vs £69.3)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (53.8%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Balblair?

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Who should buy Big?

Big Peat The Peatrichor Edition - Fèis Ìle 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 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

SherriedDried FruitOld WoodTobaccoLeathery

Only Big Peat The Peatrichor Edition - Fèis Ìle 2021

SmokeyMedicinalMossy

Where to buy

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Big Peat The Peatrichor Edition - Fèis Ìle 2021

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