Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Lot 40 Rye Whisky

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Lot 40 Rye Whisky
DistilleryBig PeatLot 40
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandCanada
TypeBlended MaltRye
ABV52.8%43%
AgeNASNAS
Price£47.9£38.5
Rating5.00/54.48/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Lot 40 Rye Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner85/100
Value100/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lot 40 Rye Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.48).

Lot 40 Rye Whisky is better value at £39 vs £48.

For beginners: Lot 40 Rye Whisky is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £38.5)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Lot 40 Rye Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£38.5 vs £47.9)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)
  • 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 Lot?

Lot 40 Rye Whisky 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Oily

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gas

Only Lot 40 Rye Whisky

ToastedVanilla

Explore more