Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Fettercairn 11 Year Old 2008 - Hepburn's Choice

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Fettercairn 11 Year Old 2008 - Hepburn's Choice
DistilleryBig PeatFettercairn
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%46%
AgeNAS11 yr
Price£47.9£46.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Fettercairn 11 Year Old 2008 - Hepburn's Choice

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner80/100
Value100/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Fettercairn 11 Year Old 2008 - Hepburn's Choice

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Fettercairn 11 Year Old 2008 - Hepburn's Choice is better value at £47 vs £48.

For beginners: Fettercairn 11 Year Old 2008 - Hepburn's Choice is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £46.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Fettercairn 11 Year Old 2008 - Hepburn's Choice

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£46.95 vs £47.9)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • 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 Fettercairn?

Fettercairn 11 Year Old 2008 - Hepburn's Choice 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.

Tasting notes

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Only Fettercairn 11 Year Old 2008 - Hepburn's Choice

SherriedChocolateHoneyDried FruitVanilla

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