Octomore 13.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley vs Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Octomore 13.3 5 Year Old - Islay BarleyBig Peat 33 Year Old
DistilleryBruichladdichBig Peat
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV61%47.2%
Age5 yr33 yr
Price£185.99£249.95
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Octomore 13.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley

Smoke68/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner25/100
Value22/100

Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Octomore 13.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat 33 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Octomore 13.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley is better value at £186 vs £250.

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

Octomore 13.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£185.99 vs £249.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (61%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)

Big Peat 33 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 5 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£249.95 vs £185.99)

Who should buy Octomore?

Octomore 13.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley 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 Octomore 13.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley

Fresh FruitMedicinalHusky

Only Big Peat 33 Year Old

SherriedDried FruitOld WoodChocolate

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