Big Peat 33 Year Old vs James Martin's 20 Year Old

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

Big Peat 33 Year OldJames Martin's 20 Year Old
DistilleryBig PeatJames Martin
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended
ABV47.2%43%
Age33 yr20 yr
Price£249.95£199
Rating5.00/5

Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

James Martin's 20 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

James Martin's 20 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

James Martin's 20 Year Old is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: James Martin's 20 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Big Peat 33 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 20 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£249.95 vs £199)

James Martin's 20 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £249.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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 James?

James Martin's 20 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Dried FruitOld Wood

Only Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokeySherriedChocolate

Only James Martin's 20 Year Old

HoneyToastedVanilla

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