Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Very Old Barton (43%)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Big Peat at Christmas 2021 | Very Old Barton (43%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Big Peat | Barton Distilling Company |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Blended Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 52.8% | 43% |
| Age | NAS | NAS |
| Price | £47.9 | £36.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Very Old Barton (43%)
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Very Old Barton (43%)
Quick verdict
Very Old Barton (43%) is better value at £37 vs £48.
For beginners: Very Old Barton (43%) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Big Peat at Christmas 2021
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£47.9 vs £36.5)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Very Old Barton (43%)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£36.5 vs £47.9)
Cons
- −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 Very?
Very Old Barton (43%) 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 Very Old Barton (43%)