Bowmore 17 Year Old 1998 - Stillmen's Selection vs Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Bowmore 17 Year Old 1998 - Stillmen's SelectionBig Peat 33 Year Old
DistilleryBowmoreBig Peat
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV53.1%47.2%
Age17 yr33 yr
Price£299£249.95
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 17 Year Old 1998 - Stillmen's Selection

Smoke68/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Bowmore 17 Year Old 1998 - Stillmen's Selection

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat 33 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

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).

Bowmore 17 Year Old 1998 - Stillmen's Selection

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £249.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Bowmore?

Bowmore 17 Year Old 1998 - Stillmen's Selection 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

SmokeySherriedDried Fruit

Only Bowmore 17 Year Old 1998 - Stillmen's Selection

LeatheryMedicinal

Only Big Peat 33 Year Old

Old WoodChocolate

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