Balcones Brimstone vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Balcones BrimstoneBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryBalconesBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeCornBlended Malt
ABV53%52.8%
AgeNASNAS
Price£58.99£47.9
Rating3.68/55.00/5

Balcones Brimstone

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value62/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value100/100

Balcones Brimstone

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.68).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £59.

For beginners: Balcones Brimstone is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Balcones Brimstone

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (53%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£58.99 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (3.7 vs 5.0)

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£47.9 vs £58.99)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Balcones?

Balcones Brimstone 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.

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

Both taste of

SmokeyCoal-gasMedicinal

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Oily

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