Very Old Barton (43%) vs Big Peat Halloween Edition
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Very Old Barton (43%) | Big Peat Halloween Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Barton Distilling Company | Big Peat |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 48% |
| Age | NAS | NAS |
| Price | £36.5 | £48.67 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Very Old Barton (43%)
Big Peat Halloween Edition
Very Old Barton (43%)
Big Peat Halloween Edition
Quick verdict
Very Old Barton (43%) is better value at £37 vs £49.
For beginners: Very Old Barton (43%) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Very Old Barton (43%)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£36.5 vs £48.67)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Big Peat Halloween Edition
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£48.67 vs £36.5)
Who should buy Very?
Very Old Barton (43%) 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 Halloween Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Only Very Old Barton (43%)
Only Big Peat Halloween Edition