Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs North Highland 8 Year Old Blended Malt - Batch 2 (Thompson Bros.)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
North Highland 8 Year Old Blended Malt - Batch 2 (Thompson Bros.)
Thompson Bros.
★ 5.00
£35
| Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | North Highland 8 Year Old Blended Malt - Batch 2 (Thompson Bros.) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Big Peat | Thompson Bros. |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 52.8% | 44.4% |
| Age | NAS | 8 yr |
| Price | £47.9 | £34.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
North Highland 8 Year Old Blended Malt - Batch 2 (Thompson Bros.)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
North Highland 8 Year Old Blended Malt - Batch 2 (Thompson Bros.)
Quick verdict
North Highland 8 Year Old Blended Malt - Batch 2 (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £35 vs £48.
For beginners: North Highland 8 Year Old Blended Malt - Batch 2 (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£47.9 vs £34.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
North Highland 8 Year Old Blended Malt - Batch 2 (Thompson Bros.)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£34.95 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 North?
North Highland 8 Year Old Blended Malt - Batch 2 (Thompson Bros.) 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
Only North Highland 8 Year Old Blended Malt - Batch 2 (Thompson Bros.)