Big Peat 33 Year Old vs Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Big Peat 33 Year OldLinkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryBig PeatLinkwood
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.2%58.5%
Age33 yr26 yr
Price£249.95£178.95
Rating5.00/54.50/5

Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner50/100
Value25/100

Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat 33 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £179 vs £250.

For beginners: Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Big Peat 33 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 26 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£249.95 vs £178.95)

Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£178.95 vs £249.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58.5%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.5 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 Linkwood?

Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedDried FruitOld Wood

Only Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokeyChocolate

Only Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

HoneyLeathery

Explore more