Big Peat Halloween Edition vs Lismore 18 Year Old Special Reserve

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

Big Peat Halloween EditionLismore 18 Year Old Special Reserve
DistilleryBig PeatLismore
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended
ABV48%40%
AgeNAS18 yr
Price£48.67£52.09
Rating5.00/54.20/5

Big Peat Halloween Edition

Smoke63/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

Lismore 18 Year Old Special Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner90/100
Value81/100

Big Peat Halloween Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lismore 18 Year Old Special Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat Halloween Edition is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.20).

Big Peat Halloween Edition is better value at £49 vs £52.

For beginners: Lismore 18 Year Old Special Reserve is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

Big Peat Halloween Edition

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£48.67 vs £52.09)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Lismore 18 Year Old Special Reserve

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£52.09 vs £48.67)
  • Lower community rating (4.2 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Big?

Big Peat Halloween Edition 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 Lismore?

Lismore 18 Year Old Special Reserve 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 Halloween Edition

SmokeyCoal-gasDried Fruit

Only Lismore 18 Year Old Special Reserve

SherriedHoneyMalt ExtractVanilla

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