Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Four Roses Small Batch Select

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Four Roses Small Batch Select
DistilleryBig PeatFour Roses
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeBlended MaltBourbon
ABV52.8%52%
AgeNASNAS
Price£47.9£52.57
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Four Roses Small Batch Select

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner50/100
Value95/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Four Roses Small Batch Select

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £53.

For beginners: Four Roses Small Batch Select is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£47.9 vs £52.57)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Four Roses Small Batch Select

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£52.57 vs £47.9)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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.

Who should buy Four?

Four Roses Small Batch Select 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 Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Only Four Roses Small Batch Select

VanillaHoneyFresh FruitNew WoodToasted

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