Big Peat at Christmas 2022 vs Old Forester Statesman Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2022Old Forester Statesman Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
DistilleryBig PeatOld Forester
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeBlended Malt
ABV54.2%40%
AgeNASNAS
Price£52.9£49.95
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2022

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

Old Forester Statesman Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Smoke0/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2022

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Old Forester Statesman Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2022 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Old Forester Statesman Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is better value at £50 vs £53.

For beginners: Old Forester Statesman Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is more approachable (70/100 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£52.9 vs £49.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Old Forester Statesman Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£49.95 vs £52.9)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 Old?

Old Forester Statesman Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Leathery

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2022

SmokeyKipperyOld Wood

Only Old Forester Statesman Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

CitricTobacco

Explore more