Lower East Side Blended Malt vs Big Peat at Christmas 2013

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

Lower East Side Blended MaltBig Peat at Christmas 2013
DistilleryLower East SideBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended Malt
ABV40%54.9%
AgeNASNAS
Price£29.9£41.95
Rating5.00/54.50/5

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner100/100
Value100/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2013

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value100/100

Lower East Side Blended Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2013

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lower East Side Blended Malt is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

Lower East Side Blended Malt is better value at £30 vs £42.

For beginners: Lower East Side Blended Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£29.9 vs £41.95)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Big Peat at Christmas 2013

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (54.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£41.95 vs £29.9)
  • Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Lower?

Lower East Side Blended Malt 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.

Who should buy Big?

Big Peat at Christmas 2013 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.

Tasting notes

Only Lower East Side Blended Malt

Fresh FruitHoneyVanillaMalt Extract

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2013

SmokeyMedicinalLeatheryOld Wood

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