Jack Ryan Beggars Bush 12 Year Old vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Jack Ryan Beggars Bush 12 Year OldBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryJack RyanBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV46%52.8%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£51.95£47.9
Rating4.50/55.00/5

Jack Ryan Beggars Bush 12 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner80/100
Value87/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Jack Ryan Beggars Bush 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £52.

For beginners: Jack Ryan Beggars Bush 12 Year Old is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).

Jack Ryan Beggars Bush 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£51.95 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (4.5 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 £51.95)

Cons

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

Who should buy Jack?

Jack Ryan Beggars Bush 12 Year Old 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 Jack Ryan Beggars Bush 12 Year Old

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractFresh Fruit

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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