Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Blair Athol 8 Year Old 2015 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
Blair Athol 8 Year Old 2015 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Blair Athol
★ 5.00
£65
| Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | Blair Athol 8 Year Old 2015 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Big Peat | Blair Athol |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 52.8% | 52.1% |
| Age | NAS | 8 yr |
| Price | £47.9 | £64.9 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Blair Athol 8 Year Old 2015 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Blair Athol 8 Year Old 2015 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £65.
For beginners: Blair Athol 8 Year Old 2015 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£47.9 vs £64.9)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Blair Athol 8 Year Old 2015 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (52.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£64.9 vs £47.9)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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.
Who should buy Blair?
Blair Athol 8 Year Old 2015 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 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 Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Only Blair Athol 8 Year Old 2015 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)