Big Peat 33 Year Old vs Highland Park 29 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/084) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Big Peat 33 Year OldHighland Park 29 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/084) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryBig PeatHighland Park
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.2%57%
Age33 yr29 yr
Price£249.95£279.95
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Highland Park 29 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/084) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 29 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/084) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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 £280.

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

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 £279.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Highland Park 29 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/084) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (57%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£279.95 vs £249.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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.

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 29 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/084) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeySherriedDried Fruit

Only Big Peat 33 Year Old

Old WoodChocolate

Only Highland Park 29 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/084) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

ToastedLeathery

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