Ragtime Rye Whiskey Bottled in Bond vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Ragtime Rye Whiskey Bottled in BondBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryNew York Distilling CompanyBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeRyeBlended Malt
ABV50%52.8%
Age4 yrNAS
Price£42.95£47.9
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Ragtime Rye Whiskey Bottled in Bond

Smoke0/100
Sweetness90/100
Beginner75/100
Value93/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Ragtime Rye Whiskey Bottled in Bond

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Ragtime Rye Whiskey Bottled in Bond is better value at £43 vs £48.

For beginners: Ragtime Rye Whiskey Bottled in Bond is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Ragtime Rye Whiskey Bottled in Bond

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£42.95 vs £47.9)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £42.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Ragtime?

Ragtime Rye Whiskey Bottled in Bond 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 Ragtime Rye Whiskey Bottled in Bond

New WoodVanilla

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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