Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)
DistilleryBig PeatLagavulin
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%56.4%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£47.9£47.95
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)

Smoke63/100
Sweetness70/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)

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 £48.

For beginners: Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023) is more approachable (45/100 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 £47.95)

Cons

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.95 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 Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023) 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

Both taste of

SmokeyCoal-gas

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

MedicinalOily

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)

Dried FruitVanilla

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