Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Macduff "Cheers To Better Days" 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 15233) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Macduff "Cheers To Better Days" 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 15233) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryBig PeatMacduff
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%48.4%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£47.9£59.95
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Macduff "Cheers To Better Days" 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 15233) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Macduff "Cheers To Better Days" 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 15233) - 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 £60.

For beginners: Macduff "Cheers To Better Days" 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 15233) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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)
  • +More affordable (£47.9 vs £59.95)

Cons

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

Macduff "Cheers To Better Days" 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 15233) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£59.95 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 Macduff?

Macduff "Cheers To Better Days" 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 15233) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 Macduff "Cheers To Better Days" 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 15233) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

CitricFresh FruitVanillaMalt ExtractHoney

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