New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon (51.8%) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon (51.8%)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryNew RiffBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonBlended Malt
ABV51.8%52.8%
AgeNASNAS
Price£74.9£47.9
Rating5.00/5

New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon (51.8%)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value100/100

New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon (51.8%)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £75.

For beginners: New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon (51.8%) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon (51.8%)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (51.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£74.9 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£47.9 vs £74.9)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy New?

New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon (51.8%) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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 New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon (51.8%)

VanillaToastedChocolateHoneyTobacco

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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