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 OldBowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
DistilleryBig PeatBowmore
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.2%53%
Age33 yr18 yr
Price£249.95£264.95
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

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 £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

SmokeySherriedDried Fruit

Only Big Peat 33 Year Old

Old WoodChocolate

Only Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Cooked FruitMalt Extract

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