New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon vs Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

New Riff Single Barrel BourbonBig Peat at Christmas 2021
DistilleryNew RiffBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonBlended Malt
ABV53.2%52.8%
AgeNASNAS
Price£78.35£47.9
Rating5.00/5

New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £78.

For beginners: New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£78.35 vs £47.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 £78.35)

Cons

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

Who should buy New?

New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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 New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon

VanillaChocolateCooked FruitToastedHoney

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

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