Balblair 9 Year Old 2009 (Master of Malt) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balblair 9 Year Old 2009 (Master of Malt)
Balblair
★ 4.00
£45
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
| Balblair 9 Year Old 2009 (Master of Malt) | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Big Peat |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 49.7% | 52.8% |
| Age | 9 yr | NAS |
| Price | £44.95 | £47.9 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balblair 9 Year Old 2009 (Master of Malt)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Balblair 9 Year Old 2009 (Master of Malt)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Balblair 9 Year Old 2009 (Master of Malt) is better value at £45 vs £48.
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
- +More affordable (£44.95 vs £47.9)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.0 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 £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 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 9 Year Old 2009 (Master of Malt)
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021