Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Linkwood 9 Year Old 2012 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 46%

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Linkwood 9 Year Old 2012 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 46%
DistilleryBig PeatLinkwood
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%46%
AgeNAS9 yr
Price£47.9£59
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Linkwood 9 Year Old 2012 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 46%

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Linkwood 9 Year Old 2012 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 46%

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 £59.

For beginners: Linkwood 9 Year Old 2012 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 46% 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 £59)

Cons

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

Linkwood 9 Year Old 2012 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 46%

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£59 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Linkwood?

Linkwood 9 Year Old 2012 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 46% suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Only Linkwood 9 Year Old 2012 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 46%

SherriedDried FruitNuttyChocolateToasted

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