Benriach 13 Year Old 1999 Virgin American Oak Finish vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Benriach 13 Year Old 1999 Virgin American Oak Finish
Benriach
★ 5.00
£51

Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
| Benriach 13 Year Old 1999 Virgin American Oak Finish | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Benriach | Big Peat |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 52.8% |
| Age | 13 yr | NAS |
| Price | £50.82 | £47.9 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Benriach 13 Year Old 1999 Virgin American Oak Finish
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Benriach 13 Year Old 1999 Virgin American Oak Finish
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £51.
For beginners: Benriach 13 Year Old 1999 Virgin American Oak Finish is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Benriach 13 Year Old 1999 Virgin American Oak Finish
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£50.82 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 £50.82)
- +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 Benriach?
Benriach 13 Year Old 1999 Virgin American Oak Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside 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 Benriach 13 Year Old 1999 Virgin American Oak Finish
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021