Old Forester 1870 - Original Batch vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Old Forester 1870 - Original Batch | Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Old Forester | Big Peat |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 45% | 52.8% |
| Age | NAS | NAS |
| Price | £49.9 | £47.9 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Old Forester 1870 - Original Batch
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Old Forester 1870 - Original Batch
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £50.
For beginners: Old Forester 1870 - Original Batch is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).
Old Forester 1870 - Original Batch
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£49.9 vs £47.9)
- −Lower community rating (4.0 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 £49.9)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Old?
Old Forester 1870 - Original Batch 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 Old Forester 1870 - Original Batch
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021