Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Hyde No. 6 President's Reserve

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Hyde No. 6 President's Reserve
DistilleryBig PeatHyde
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeBlended MaltBlended
ABV52.8%46%
AgeNASNAS
Price£47.9£39.5
Rating5.00/53.60/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Hyde No. 6 President's Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner75/100
Value91/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hyde No. 6 President's Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.60).

Hyde No. 6 President's Reserve is better value at £40 vs £48.

For beginners: Hyde No. 6 President's Reserve is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £39.5)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Hyde No. 6 President's Reserve

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£39.5 vs £47.9)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (3.6 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 Hyde?

Hyde No. 6 President's Reserve 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 Hyde No. 6 President's Reserve

SherriedVanillaFresh FruitCooked Fruit

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