Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs New Riff Straight Bourbon
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | New Riff Straight Bourbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Big Peat | New Riff |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Blended Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 52.8% | 50% |
| Age | NAS | NAS |
| Price | £47.9 | £66.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.67/5 |
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
New Riff Straight Bourbon
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
New Riff Straight Bourbon
Quick verdict
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.67).
Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is better value at £48 vs £67.
For beginners: New Riff Straight Bourbon is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
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 £66.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
New Riff Straight Bourbon
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£66.95 vs £47.9)
- −Lower community rating (4.7 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 New?
New Riff Straight Bourbon 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
Only Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Only New Riff Straight Bourbon