Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£48
Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)
Master of Malt
★ 5.00
£40
| Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Big Peat | Master of Malt |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 52.8% | 60% |
| Age | NAS | 8 yr |
| Price | £47.9 | £39.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt) is better value at £40 vs £48.
For beginners: Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (50/100 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 £39.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +More affordable (£39.95 vs £47.9)
Cons
- −High ABV (60%) — may need water
- −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 Secret?
Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt) 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.
Tasting notes
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Only Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)