Big Peat 33 Year Old vs Octomore 12.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Big Peat 33 Year Old
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£250
Octomore 12.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Bruichladdich
★ 5.00
£180
| Big Peat 33 Year Old | Octomore 12.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Big Peat | Bruichladdich |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.2% | 62.1% |
| Age | 33 yr | 5 yr |
| Price | £249.95 | £179.93 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Big Peat 33 Year Old
Octomore 12.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Big Peat 33 Year Old
Octomore 12.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Quick verdict
Octomore 12.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley is better value at £180 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
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 5 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£249.95 vs £179.93)
Octomore 12.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£179.93 vs £249.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (62.1%) — may need water
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 Octomore?
Octomore 12.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley 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 Octomore 12.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley