Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs The Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021The Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask
DistilleryBig PeatThe Macallan
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%40%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£47.9£74.99
Rating5.00/54.05/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

The Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner75/100
Value54/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.05).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £75.

For beginners: The Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask 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 £74.99)

Cons

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

The Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£74.99 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (4.0 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 The?

The Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Only The Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask

SherriedVanillaDried FruitToasted

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