Big Peat 33 Year Old vs Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2019

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

Big Peat 33 Year OldAuchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2019
DistilleryBig PeatAuchentoshan
RegionIslayLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.2%43%
Age33 yr21 yr
Price£249.95£199
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2019

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2019

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2019 is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2019 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Big Peat 33 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£249.95 vs £199)

Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2019

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £249.95)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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 Auchentoshan?

Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2019 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokeySherriedDried FruitChocolate

Only Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2019

VanillaHoneyFresh FruitMalt Extract

Explore more