Benriach 20 Year Old 1990 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Benriach 20 Year Old 1990 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryBenriachBig Peat
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV56.6%52.8%
Age20 yrNAS
Price£54.95£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Benriach 20 Year Old 1990 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Benriach 20 Year Old 1990 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

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 £55.

For beginners: Benriach 20 Year Old 1990 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Benriach 20 Year Old 1990 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£54.95 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 £54.95)

Cons

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

Who should buy Benriach?

Benriach 20 Year Old 1990 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) 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 20 Year Old 1990 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

SherriedDried FruitChocolateNuttyToasted

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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