Big Peat at Christmas 2022 vs Mortlach 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Big Peat at Christmas 2022
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£53

Mortlach 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Mortlach
★ 3.75
£85
| Big Peat at Christmas 2022 | Mortlach 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Big Peat | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.2% | 43% |
| Age | NAS | 21 yr |
| Price | £52.9 | £84.83 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 3.75/5 |
Big Peat at Christmas 2022
Mortlach 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Big Peat at Christmas 2022
Mortlach 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2022 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.75).
Big Peat at Christmas 2022 is better value at £53 vs £85.
For beginners: Mortlach 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Big Peat at Christmas 2022
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£52.9 vs £84.83)
Cons
- −High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Mortlach 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£84.83 vs £52.9)
- −Lower community rating (3.8 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Big?
Big Peat at Christmas 2022 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 Mortlach?
Mortlach 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2022
Only Mortlach 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Where to buy
Big Peat at Christmas 2022
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Mortlach 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange