Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish vs Really Big Peat

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

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask FinishReally Big Peat
DistilleryArdbegBig Peat
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV49.1%46%
Age23 yrNAS
Price£291.95£214.57
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value17/100

Really Big Peat

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value23/100

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Really Big Peat

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Really Big Peat is better value at £215 vs £292.

For beginners: Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£291.95 vs £214.57)

Really Big Peat

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£214.57 vs £291.95)

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Darkness!?

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Who should buy Really?

Really Big Peat suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

SherriedCooked FruitLeatheryOld Wood

Only Really Big Peat

OilyCoal-gasMedicinal

Explore more