Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Pearse Lyons 5 Year Old Original

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Pearse Lyons 5 Year Old Original
DistilleryBig PeatPearse Lyons
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeBlended MaltBlended
ABV52.8%43%
AgeNAS5 yr
Price£47.9£39.44
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Pearse Lyons 5 Year Old Original

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Pearse Lyons 5 Year Old Original

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Pearse Lyons 5 Year Old Original is better value at £39 vs £48.

For beginners: Pearse Lyons 5 Year Old Original is more approachable (85/100 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 £39.44)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Pearse Lyons 5 Year Old Original

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£39.44 vs £47.9)

Cons

  • 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 Pearse?

Pearse Lyons 5 Year Old Original suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Tasting notes

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Only Pearse Lyons 5 Year Old Original

VanillaFresh FruitMalt ExtractToasted

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