Ballantine's 30 Year Old vs Big Peat 33 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ballantine's 30 Year Old | Big Peat 33 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ballantine's | Big Peat |
| Region | Other Scotch | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 47.2% |
| Age | 30 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £351.99 | £249.95 |
| Rating | 4.71/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ballantine's 30 Year Old
Big Peat 33 Year Old
Ballantine's 30 Year Old
Big Peat 33 Year Old
Quick verdict
Big Peat 33 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.71).
Big Peat 33 Year Old is better value at £250 vs £352.
For beginners: Ballantine's 30 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Ballantine's 30 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£351.99 vs £249.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.7 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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 £351.99)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Ballantine's?
Ballantine's 30 Year Old 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.
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
Only Ballantine's 30 Year Old
Only Big Peat 33 Year Old