Boatyard Old Tom Gin vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Boatyard Old Tom GinBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryBoatyardBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeBlended Malt
ABV40%52.8%
AgeNASNAS
Price£42.25£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Boatyard Old Tom Gin

Smoke0/100
Sweetness73/100
Beginner90/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Boatyard Old Tom Gin

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Boatyard Old Tom Gin is better value at £42 vs £48.

For beginners: Boatyard Old Tom Gin is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

Boatyard Old Tom Gin

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£42.25 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 £42.25)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Boatyard?

Boatyard Old Tom Gin 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 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 Boatyard Old Tom Gin

HoneySherried

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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