Longrow Red 12 Year Old - Fresh Pinot Noir Cask Finish vs Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Longrow Red 12 Year Old - Fresh Pinot Noir Cask FinishBig Peat 33 Year Old
DistillerySpringbankBig Peat
RegionCampbeltownIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV52.9%47.2%
Age12 yr33 yr
Price£299£249.95
Rating4.56/55.00/5

Longrow Red 12 Year Old - Fresh Pinot Noir Cask Finish

Smoke64/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner35/100
Value15/100

Big Peat 33 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value20/100

Longrow Red 12 Year Old - Fresh Pinot Noir Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat 33 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.56).

Big Peat 33 Year Old is better value at £250 vs £299.

For beginners: Big Peat 33 Year Old is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Longrow Red 12 Year Old - Fresh Pinot Noir Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (52.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £249.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)

Big Peat 33 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£249.95 vs £299)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Longrow?

Longrow Red 12 Year Old - Fresh Pinot Noir Cask Finish 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 Big?

Big Peat 33 Year Old 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 Longrow Red 12 Year Old - Fresh Pinot Noir Cask Finish

Fresh FruitCitricCooked FruitLeathery

Only Big Peat 33 Year Old

SherriedDried FruitOld WoodChocolate

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