Big Peat at Christmas 2021 vs Virgin Gorda 1493 Rum Blended Modernist Rum

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2021Virgin Gorda 1493 Rum Blended Modernist Rum
DistilleryBig PeatVirgin Gorda
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeBlended Malt
ABV52.8%40%
AgeNASNAS
Price£47.9£34.25
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

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

Virgin Gorda 1493 Rum Blended Modernist Rum

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner100/100
Value0/100

Big Peat at Christmas 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Virgin Gorda 1493 Rum Blended Modernist Rum

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Virgin Gorda 1493 Rum Blended Modernist Rum is better value at £34 vs £48.

For beginners: Virgin Gorda 1493 Rum Blended Modernist Rum is more approachable (100/100 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.9 vs £34.25)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Virgin Gorda 1493 Rum Blended Modernist Rum

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£34.25 vs £47.9)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Virgin?

Virgin Gorda 1493 Rum Blended Modernist Rum 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

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gasOily

Only Virgin Gorda 1493 Rum Blended Modernist Rum

VanillaHoneyCooked Fruit

Explore more