Ben Nevis 9 Year Old 2012 (cask CM295) - The Golden Cask (House of MacDuff) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Ben Nevis 9 Year Old 2012 (cask CM295) - The Golden Cask (House of MacDuff)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryBen NevisBig Peat
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV62.1%52.8%
Age9 yrNAS
Price£59.95£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Ben Nevis 9 Year Old 2012 (cask CM295) - The Golden Cask (House of MacDuff)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Ben Nevis 9 Year Old 2012 (cask CM295) - The Golden Cask (House of MacDuff)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £60.

For beginners: Ben Nevis 9 Year Old 2012 (cask CM295) - The Golden Cask (House of MacDuff) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Ben Nevis 9 Year Old 2012 (cask CM295) - The Golden Cask (House of MacDuff)

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (62.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£59.95 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 £59.95)

Cons

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

Who should buy Ben?

Ben Nevis 9 Year Old 2012 (cask CM295) - The Golden Cask (House of MacDuff) 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 Ben Nevis 9 Year Old 2012 (cask CM295) - The Golden Cask (House of MacDuff)

VanillaMalt ExtractFresh FruitToastedHoney

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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