Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Invergordon 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12185) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Invergordon 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12185) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryBig PeatInvergordon
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltGrain
ABV52.8%51.5%
AgeNAS21 yr
Price£47.9£65.62
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Invergordon 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12185) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Invergordon 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12185) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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: Invergordon 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12185) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (65/100 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 £65.62)

Cons

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

Invergordon 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12185) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (51.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£65.62 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 Invergordon?

Invergordon 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12185) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Only Invergordon 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12185) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractOld WoodYeasty

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