Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Matt D’arcy & Co. 10 Year Old

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Matt D’arcy & Co. 10 Year Old
DistilleryBig PeatD'arcy's
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeBlended MaltBlended
ABV52.8%46%
AgeNAS10 yr
Price£47.9£46.95
Rating5.00/54.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Matt D’arcy & Co. 10 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner80/100
Value85/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Matt D’arcy & Co. 10 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Matt D’arcy & Co. 10 Year Old is better value at £47 vs £48.

For beginners: Matt D’arcy & Co. 10 Year Old 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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £46.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Matt D’arcy & Co. 10 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£46.95 vs £47.9)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.0 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 Matt?

Matt D’arcy & Co. 10 Year Old 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 Matt D’arcy & Co. 10 Year Old

SherriedHoneyCooked FruitVanillaOld Wood

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