Benrinnes 18 Year Old 1997 (casks 3008 & 3009) (Signatory) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Benrinnes 18 Year Old 1997 (casks 3008 & 3009) (Signatory)
Benrinnes
£40
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
| Benrinnes 18 Year Old 1997 (casks 3008 & 3009) (Signatory) | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Benrinnes | Big Peat |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 52.8% |
| Age | 18 yr | NAS |
| Price | £40.15 | £47.9 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Benrinnes 18 Year Old 1997 (casks 3008 & 3009) (Signatory)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Benrinnes 18 Year Old 1997 (casks 3008 & 3009) (Signatory)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Benrinnes 18 Year Old 1997 (casks 3008 & 3009) (Signatory) is better value at £40 vs £48.
For beginners: Benrinnes 18 Year Old 1997 (casks 3008 & 3009) (Signatory) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Benrinnes 18 Year Old 1997 (casks 3008 & 3009) (Signatory)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£40.15 vs £47.9)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −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 widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£47.9 vs £40.15)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Benrinnes?
Benrinnes 18 Year Old 1997 (casks 3008 & 3009) (Signatory) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
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 Benrinnes 18 Year Old 1997 (casks 3008 & 3009) (Signatory)
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021