Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Big Peat |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 52.8% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £68.12 | £47.9 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £68.
For beginners: Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£68.12 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 £68.12)
- +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 2000 (bottled 2017) 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 Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021