BenRiach 15 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

BenRiach 15 Year Old Sauternes Cask FinishBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryBenriachBig Peat
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV46%52.8%
Age15 yrNAS
Price£53.18£47.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

BenRiach 15 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner65/100
Value94/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

BenRiach 15 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £53.

For beginners: BenRiach 15 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

BenRiach 15 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • More expensive (£53.18 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 £53.18)
  • +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 Sauternes Cask 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 15 Year Old Sauternes Cask Finish

Fresh FruitVanillaHoneyToastedMalt Extract

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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