Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bell's | Big Peat |
| Region | Other Scotch | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 52.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £59.99 | £47.9 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £60.
For beginners: Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£59.99 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 £59.99)
- +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 Bell's?
Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s 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 Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021