Big Peat 33 Year Old vs BenRiach 18 Year Old 1996 (cask 3607) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Big Peat 33 Year Old
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£250
BenRiach 18 Year Old 1996 (cask 3607) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish
Benriach
★ 5.00
£299
| Big Peat 33 Year Old | BenRiach 18 Year Old 1996 (cask 3607) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Big Peat | Benriach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.2% | 54.4% |
| Age | 33 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £249.95 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Big Peat 33 Year Old
BenRiach 18 Year Old 1996 (cask 3607) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish
Big Peat 33 Year Old
BenRiach 18 Year Old 1996 (cask 3607) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish
Quick verdict
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
- +More affordable (£249.95 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 18 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
BenRiach 18 Year Old 1996 (cask 3607) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £249.95)
- −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 BenRiach?
BenRiach 18 Year Old 1996 (cask 3607) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish 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
Only Big Peat 33 Year Old
Only BenRiach 18 Year Old 1996 (cask 3607) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish