Bushmills Original (1L) vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Bushmills Original (1L)Big Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryBushmillsBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeBlendedBlended Malt
ABV40%52.8%
AgeNASNAS
Price£38.97£47.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Bushmills Original (1L)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner100/100
Value100/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Bushmills Original (1L)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bushmills Original (1L) is better value at £39 vs £48.

For beginners: Bushmills Original (1L) is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

Bushmills Original (1L)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£38.97 vs £47.9)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £38.97)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Bushmills?

Bushmills Original (1L) 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 Bushmills Original (1L)

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractCitricYeasty

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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