Barrell Gold Label Bourbon vs Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Barrell Gold Label BourbonBig Peat 33 Year Old
DistilleryBarrell Craft SpiritsBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonBlended Malt
ABV51.1%47.2%
AgeNAS33 yr
Price£320.5£249.95
Rating5.00/5

Barrell Gold Label Bourbon

Smoke0/100
Sweetness52/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Barrell Gold Label Bourbon

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 £321.

For beginners: Barrell Gold Label Bourbon is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Barrell Gold Label Bourbon

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (51.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£320.5 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 £320.5)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Barrell?

Barrell Gold Label Bourbon 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

Chocolate

Only Barrell Gold Label Bourbon

VanillaNuttyToastedFresh Fruit

Only Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOld Wood

Explore more