BenRiach 18 Year Old 1996 (cask 3607) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish vs Big Peat 33 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
BenRiach 18 Year Old 1996 (cask 3607) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish
Benriach
★ 5.00
£299
Big Peat 33 Year Old
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£250
| BenRiach 18 Year Old 1996 (cask 3607) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish | Big Peat 33 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Benriach | Big Peat |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 54.4% | 47.2% |
| Age | 18 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £299 | £249.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
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
Big Peat 33 Year Old
Quick verdict
Big Peat 33 Year Old is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: BenRiach 18 Year Old 1996 (cask 3607) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
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
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
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.
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
Only BenRiach 18 Year Old 1996 (cask 3607) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish
Only Big Peat 33 Year Old