Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Isawa Japanese Blended Whiskey

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Isawa Japanese Blended Whiskey
DistilleryBig PeatMonde Shuzo
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeBlended MaltBlended
ABV52.8%40%
AgeNASNAS
Price£47.9£39.27
Rating5.00/52.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Isawa Japanese Blended Whiskey

Smoke0/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner80/100
Value51/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Isawa Japanese Blended Whiskey

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 2.00).

Isawa Japanese Blended Whiskey is better value at £39 vs £48.

For beginners: Isawa Japanese Blended Whiskey 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)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £39.27)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Isawa Japanese Blended Whiskey

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£39.27 vs £47.9)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (2.0 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 Isawa?

Isawa Japanese Blended Whiskey suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Tasting notes

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Only Isawa Japanese Blended Whiskey

FragantCitricFresh Fruit

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