Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Valdespino 20 Year Old Oloroso Don Gonzalo

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Valdespino 20 Year Old Oloroso Don Gonzalo
DistilleryBig PeatValdespino
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeBlended Malt
ABV52.8%40%
AgeNASNAS
Price£47.9£46.25
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Valdespino 20 Year Old Oloroso Don Gonzalo

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner90/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Valdespino 20 Year Old Oloroso Don Gonzalo

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Valdespino 20 Year Old Oloroso Don Gonzalo is better value at £46 vs £48.

For beginners: Valdespino 20 Year Old Oloroso Don Gonzalo is more approachable (90/100 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 £46.25)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Valdespino 20 Year Old Oloroso Don Gonzalo

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£46.25 vs £47.9)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 Valdespino?

Valdespino 20 Year Old Oloroso Don Gonzalo 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 Valdespino 20 Year Old Oloroso Don Gonzalo

Dried FruitSherriedHoneyTobacco

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