Appleton 2003 / 18 Year Old / Hearts Collection vs Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Appleton 2003 / 18 Year Old / Hearts CollectionBig Peat 33 Year Old
DistilleryAppletonBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeBlended Malt
ABV40%47.2%
AgeNAS33 yr
Price£218£249.95
Rating5.00/5

Appleton 2003 / 18 Year Old / Hearts Collection

Smoke64/100
Sweetness82/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Appleton 2003 / 18 Year Old / Hearts Collection

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Appleton 2003 / 18 Year Old / Hearts Collection is better value at £218 vs £250.

For beginners: Appleton 2003 / 18 Year Old / Hearts Collection is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Appleton 2003 / 18 Year Old / Hearts Collection

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£218 vs £249.95)

Cons

  • 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£249.95 vs £218)

Who should buy Appleton?

Appleton 2003 / 18 Year Old / Hearts Collection 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

ChocolateSmokey

Only Appleton 2003 / 18 Year Old / Hearts Collection

HoneyVanillaCitric

Only Big Peat 33 Year Old

SherriedDried FruitOld Wood

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