BenRiach 19 Year Old 1996 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

BenRiach 19 Year Old 1996 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryBenriachBig Peat
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV47.1%52.8%
Age19 yrNAS
Price£62.39£47.9
Rating5.00/5

BenRiach 19 Year Old 1996 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

BenRiach 19 Year Old 1996 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

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 £62.

For beginners: BenRiach 19 Year Old 1996 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

BenRiach 19 Year Old 1996 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£62.39 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 £62.39)

Cons

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

Who should buy BenRiach?

BenRiach 19 Year Old 1996 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) 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 19 Year Old 1996 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

HoneyVanillaToastedDried FruitOld Wood

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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