Big Peat 33 Year Old vs Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Big Peat 33 Year Old
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£250

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Bowmore
£265
| Big Peat 33 Year Old | Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Big Peat | Bowmore |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.2% | 53% |
| Age | 33 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £249.95 | £264.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Big Peat 33 Year Old
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Big Peat 33 Year Old
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
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 £265.
For beginners: Big Peat 33 Year Old is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
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 £264.95)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (53%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£264.95 vs £249.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 Bowmore?
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Big Peat 33 Year Old
Only Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)