Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Speyside (M) 15 Year Old 2009 - Small Batch Edition #18 (Signatory)

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Speyside (M) 15 Year Old 2009 - Small Batch Edition #18 (Signatory)
DistilleryBig PeatSignatory
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%48.2%
AgeNAS15 yr
Price£47.9£54.95
Rating5.00/54.50/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Speyside (M) 15 Year Old 2009 - Small Batch Edition #18 (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner75/100
Value82/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Speyside (M) 15 Year Old 2009 - Small Batch Edition #18 (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £55.

For beginners: Speyside (M) 15 Year Old 2009 - Small Batch Edition #18 (Signatory) 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)
  • +More affordable (£47.9 vs £54.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Speyside (M) 15 Year Old 2009 - Small Batch Edition #18 (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£54.95 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (4.5 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 Speyside?

Speyside (M) 15 Year Old 2009 - Small Batch Edition #18 (Signatory) 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 (M) 15 Year Old 2009 - Small Batch Edition #18 (Signatory)

SherriedDried FruitChocolateOld WoodHoney

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