Old Forester Statesman vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Old Forester StatesmanBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryOld ForesterBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonBlended Malt
ABV47.5%52.8%
AgeNASNAS
Price£57.79£47.9
Rating4.92/55.00/5

Old Forester Statesman

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner60/100
Value85/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Old Forester Statesman

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.92).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £58.

For beginners: Old Forester Statesman is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Old Forester Statesman

Pros

  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£57.79 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (4.9 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 £57.79)

Cons

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

Who should buy Old?

Old Forester Statesman suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Bourbon character.

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 Statesman

VanillaToastedChocolate

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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