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 2022Mortlach 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryBig PeatMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.2%43%
AgeNAS21 yr
Price£52.9£84.83
Rating5.00/53.75/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2022

Smoke65/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value95/100

Mortlach 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner75/100
Value44/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2022

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

Old Wood

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2022

SmokeyKipperyLeathery

Only Mortlach 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

SherriedNuttyDried Fruit

Where to buy

Big Peat at Christmas 2022

Mortlach 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

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