Benrinnes 21 Year Old (Special Release 2024) vs Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Benrinnes 21 Year Old (Special Release 2024)Big Peat 33 Year Old
DistilleryBenrinnesBig Peat
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV55.4%47.2%
Age21 yr33 yr
Price£310£249.95
Rating5.00/5

Benrinnes 21 Year Old (Special Release 2024)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Benrinnes 21 Year Old (Special Release 2024)

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 £310.

For beginners: Big Peat 33 Year Old is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Benrinnes 21 Year Old (Special Release 2024)

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (55.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£310 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 £310)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Benrinnes?

Benrinnes 21 Year Old (Special Release 2024) 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

SherriedOld Wood

Only Benrinnes 21 Year Old (Special Release 2024)

ToastedVanillaNutty

Only Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokeyDried FruitChocolate

Explore more