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

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

Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1993 - Mission (Murray McDavid)Big Peat 33 Year Old
DistilleryArdbegBig Peat
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV56.9%47.2%
Age18 yr33 yr
Price£375£249.95
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1993 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

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

Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1993 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat 33 Year Old

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).

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)

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

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.

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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyOld Wood

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

LeatheryMedicinalOily

Only Big Peat 33 Year Old

SherriedDried FruitChocolate

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