BenRiach 15 Year Old 1999 (cask 8687) - Oloroso Sherry Finish vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

BenRiach 15 Year Old 1999 (cask 8687) - Oloroso Sherry FinishBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryBenriachBig Peat
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV56.1%52.8%
Age15 yrNAS
Price£73.96£47.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

BenRiach 15 Year Old 1999 (cask 8687) - Oloroso Sherry Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness51/100
Beginner40/100
Value68/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

BenRiach 15 Year Old 1999 (cask 8687) - Oloroso Sherry Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £74.

For beginners: BenRiach 15 Year Old 1999 (cask 8687) - Oloroso Sherry Finish is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

BenRiach 15 Year Old 1999 (cask 8687) - Oloroso Sherry Finish

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£73.96 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 £73.96)
  • +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 15 Year Old 1999 (cask 8687) - Oloroso Sherry Finish 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 BenRiach 15 Year Old 1999 (cask 8687) - Oloroso Sherry Finish

SherriedHoneyCooked FruitNuttyToasted

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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