Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Speyside & Lowland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling)

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Speyside & Lowland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling)
DistilleryBig PeatDouglas Laing
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended Malt
ABV52.8%46%
AgeNASNAS
Price£47.9£36.52
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Speyside & Lowland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner75/100
Value100/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Speyside & Lowland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Speyside & Lowland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling) is better value at £37 vs £48.

For beginners: Speyside & Lowland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £36.52)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Speyside & Lowland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£36.52 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 Speyside?

Speyside & Lowland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling) 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 Speyside & Lowland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling)

Malt ExtractVanillaFresh Fruit

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