Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Fettercairn 20 Year Old 1997 (casks 5604 & 5605) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Fettercairn 20 Year Old 1997 (casks 5604 & 5605) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryBig PeatFettercairn
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%46%
AgeNAS20 yr
Price£47.9£65.95
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Fettercairn 20 Year Old 1997 (casks 5604 & 5605) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner80/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Fettercairn 20 Year Old 1997 (casks 5604 & 5605) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)

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 £66.

For beginners: Fettercairn 20 Year Old 1997 (casks 5604 & 5605) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (80/100 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 £65.95)

Cons

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

Fettercairn 20 Year Old 1997 (casks 5604 & 5605) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£65.95 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • 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 20 Year Old 1997 (casks 5604 & 5605) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (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.

Tasting notes

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Only Fettercairn 20 Year Old 1997 (casks 5604 & 5605) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)

HoneyVanillaToastedOld Wood

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