Big Peat 33 Year Old vs Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007

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

Big Peat 33 Year OldGlenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007
DistilleryBig PeatGlenfiddich
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.2%43%
Age33 yr18 yr
Price£249.95£299
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value17/100

Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat 33 Year Old is better value at £250 vs £299.

For beginners: Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

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

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£299 vs £249.95)
  • 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 Glenfiddich?

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007 is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokeySherriedDried FruitChocolate

Only Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractFresh Fruit

Explore more