Big Peat 33 Year Old vs Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1993 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

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

Big Peat 33 Year OldArdbeg 18 Year Old 1993 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
DistilleryBig PeatArdbeg
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.2%56.9%
Age33 yr18 yr
Price£249.95£375
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1993 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1993 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

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 £375.

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 £375)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1993 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (56.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£375 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 Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1993 - Mission (Murray McDavid) 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

SmokeyOld Wood

Only Big Peat 33 Year Old

SherriedDried FruitChocolate

Only Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1993 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

LeatheryMedicinalOily

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