Big Peat 33 Year Old vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)

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

Big Peat 33 Year OldLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)
DistilleryBig PeatLagavulin
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.2%57.9%
Age33 yr12 yr
Price£249.95£299
Rating5.00/54.17/5

Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner25/100
Value14/100

Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat 33 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.17).

Big Peat 33 Year Old is better value at £250 vs £299.

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 £299)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (57.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £249.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.2 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 Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009) 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

SmokeyDried Fruit

Only Big Peat 33 Year Old

SherriedOld WoodChocolate

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)

MedicinalOilyLeathery

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