Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006)

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006)
DistilleryBig PeatCragganmore
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%55.5%
AgeNAS17 yr
Price£47.9£65.45
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006)

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 £65.

For beginners: Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

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 £65.45)

Cons

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

Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (55.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£65.45 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Cragganmore?

Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Only Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006)

ChocolateToastedVanillaHoney

Explore more