Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt)
Balmenach
★ 4.63
£45
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
| Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt) | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balmenach | Big Peat |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 57.8% | 52.8% |
| Age | 8 yr | NAS |
| Price | £44.95 | £47.9 |
| Rating | 4.63/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.63).
Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt) is better value at £45 vs £48.
For beginners: Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +More affordable (£44.95 vs £47.9)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (57.8%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
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 Balmenach?
Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt) 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
Only Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt)
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021