Appleton Estate VX Rum / Bot.2000s vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Appleton Estate VX Rum / Bot.2000sBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryAppletonBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeBlended Malt
ABV40%52.8%
AgeNASNAS
Price£49.95£47.9
Rating5.00/5

Appleton Estate VX Rum / Bot.2000s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Appleton Estate VX Rum / Bot.2000s

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 £50.

For beginners: Appleton Estate VX Rum / Bot.2000s is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Appleton Estate VX Rum / Bot.2000s

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£49.95 vs £47.9)
  • 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 affordable (£47.9 vs £49.95)

Cons

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

Who should buy Appleton?

Appleton Estate VX Rum / Bot.2000s 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 Appleton Estate VX Rum / Bot.2000s

Cooked FruitToastedVanillaHoney

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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