Very Old Barton (50%) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Very Old Barton (50%) | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Barton Distilling Company | Big Peat |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 50% | 52.8% |
| Age | NAS | NAS |
| Price | £40.95 | £47.9 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Very Old Barton (50%)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Very Old Barton (50%)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Very Old Barton (50%) is better value at £41 vs £48.
For beginners: Very Old Barton (50%) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Very Old Barton (50%)
Pros
- +More affordable (£40.95 vs £47.9)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
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 (52.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£47.9 vs £40.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Very?
Very Old Barton (50%) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Bourbon character.
Who should buy Big?
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 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 Very Old Barton (50%)
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

