Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs McGuinness Old Canada Whisky

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021McGuinness Old Canada Whisky
DistilleryBig PeatMcGuinness Distillers Ltd.
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandCanada
TypeBlended MaltRye
ABV52.8%35%
AgeNASNAS
Price£47.9£45.95
Rating5.00/53.75/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

McGuinness Old Canada Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner75/100
Value82/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

McGuinness Old Canada Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.75).

McGuinness Old Canada Whisky is better value at £46 vs £48.

For beginners: McGuinness Old Canada Whisky 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)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £45.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

McGuinness Old Canada Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£45.95 vs £47.9)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (3.8 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 McGuinness?

McGuinness Old Canada Whisky 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

Both taste of

Oily

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gas

Only McGuinness Old Canada Whisky

VanillaToasted

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