Balblair 9 Year Old 2009 (Master of Malt) vs Big Peat 10 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Balblair 9 Year Old 2009 (Master of Malt) | Big Peat 10 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Big Peat |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 49.7% | 46% |
| Age | 9 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £44.95 | £61.85 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balblair 9 Year Old 2009 (Master of Malt)
Big Peat 10 Year Old
Balblair 9 Year Old 2009 (Master of Malt)
Big Peat 10 Year Old
Quick verdict
Big Peat 10 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Balblair 9 Year Old 2009 (Master of Malt) is better value at £45 vs £62.
For beginners: Balblair 9 Year Old 2009 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Balblair 9 Year Old 2009 (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£44.95 vs £61.85)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Big Peat 10 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (10 vs 9 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£61.85 vs £44.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Balblair?
Balblair 9 Year Old 2009 (Master of Malt) 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 10 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Only Balblair 9 Year Old 2009 (Master of Malt)
Only Big Peat 10 Year Old
Where to buy
Balblair 9 Year Old 2009 (Master of Malt)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Big Peat 10 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange