Big Peat 33 Year Old vs Girvan 1989 (bottled 2019) (cask 167849) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)

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

Big Peat 33 Year OldGirvan 1989 (bottled 2019) (cask 167849) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)
DistilleryBig PeatGirvan
RegionIslayLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltGrain
ABV47.2%51.5%
Age33 yrNAS
Price£249.95£178.95
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Girvan 1989 (bottled 2019) (cask 167849) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Girvan 1989 (bottled 2019) (cask 167849) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat 33 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Girvan 1989 (bottled 2019) (cask 167849) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati) is better value at £179 vs £250.

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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£249.95 vs £178.95)

Girvan 1989 (bottled 2019) (cask 167849) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£178.95 vs £249.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.5%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 Girvan?

Girvan 1989 (bottled 2019) (cask 167849) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati) 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

Only Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOld WoodChocolate

Only Girvan 1989 (bottled 2019) (cask 167849) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaToasted

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