Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1996 - North Star Spirits

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1996 - North Star Spirits
DistilleryBig PeatGlenrothes
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%54.6%
AgeNAS20 yr
Price£47.9£75.55
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1996 - North Star Spirits

Smoke0/100
Sweetness49/100
Beginner50/100
Value66/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1996 - North Star Spirits

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £76.

For beginners: Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1996 - North Star Spirits 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 £75.55)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1996 - North Star Spirits

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£75.55 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 Glenrothes?

Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1996 - North Star Spirits 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

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Only Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1996 - North Star Spirits

Old WoodHoneyDried FruitNuttyToasted

Explore more