Big Peat 33 Year Old vs Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition)

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

Big Peat 33 Year OldFour Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition)
DistilleryBig PeatFour Roses
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeBlended MaltBourbon
ABV47.2%54%
Age33 yrNAS
Price£249.95£199.95
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition) is better value at £200 vs £250.

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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£249.95 vs £199.95)

Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199.95 vs £249.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 Four?

Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition) 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

Only Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOld WoodChocolate

Only Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition)

Fresh FruitVanillaToastedCooked Fruit

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