Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Mary Queen Of Scots 12 Year Old

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Mary Queen Of Scots 12 Year Old
DistilleryBig PeatMary Queen of Scots
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended Malt
ABV52.8%40%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£47.9£36.5
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Mary Queen Of Scots 12 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner85/100
Value100/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mary Queen Of Scots 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mary Queen Of Scots 12 Year Old is better value at £37 vs £48.

For beginners: Mary Queen Of Scots 12 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £36.5)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Mary Queen Of Scots 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£36.5 vs £47.9)

Cons

  • 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 Mary?

Mary Queen Of Scots 12 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Only Mary Queen Of Scots 12 Year Old

Malt ExtractHoneyFresh FruitToastedVanilla

Explore more