Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Glenrothes 9 Year Old 2013 (cask 4939126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48

Glenrothes 9 Year Old 2013 (cask 4939126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Glenrothes
£67
| Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | Glenrothes 9 Year Old 2013 (cask 4939126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Big Peat | Glenrothes |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 52.8% | 55.2% |
| Age | NAS | 9 yr |
| Price | £47.9 | £66.55 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Glenrothes 9 Year Old 2013 (cask 4939126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Glenrothes 9 Year Old 2013 (cask 4939126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
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 £67.
For beginners: Glenrothes 9 Year Old 2013 (cask 4939126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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 £66.55)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glenrothes 9 Year Old 2013 (cask 4939126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£66.55 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 Glenrothes?
Glenrothes 9 Year Old 2013 (cask 4939126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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
Only Glenrothes 9 Year Old 2013 (cask 4939126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)