Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Willett's Pot Still Reserve (70cl)

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Willett's Pot Still Reserve (70cl)
DistilleryBig PeatWillett Distillery
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeBlended MaltBourbon
ABV52.8%47%
AgeNASNAS
Price£47.9£77.9
Rating5.00/53.86/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Willett's Pot Still Reserve (70cl)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner75/100
Value50/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Willett's Pot Still Reserve (70cl)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.86).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £78.

For beginners: Willett's Pot Still Reserve (70cl) 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 £77.9)

Cons

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

Willett's Pot Still Reserve (70cl)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£77.9 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (3.9 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 Willett's?

Willett's Pot Still Reserve (70cl) 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 Willett's Pot Still Reserve (70cl)

VanillaHoneyNew WoodToasted

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