Big Peat 33 Year Old vs Octomore 13.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley

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

Big Peat 33 Year OldOctomore 13.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
DistilleryBig PeatBruichladdich
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.2%61%
Age33 yr5 yr
Price£249.95£185.99
Rating5.00/54.00/5

Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Octomore 13.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley

Smoke68/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner25/100
Value22/100

Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Octomore 13.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat 33 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Octomore 13.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley is better value at £186 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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 5 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£249.95 vs £185.99)

Octomore 13.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£185.99 vs £249.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (61%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.0 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 Octomore?

Octomore 13.3 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

Smokey

Only Big Peat 33 Year Old

SherriedDried FruitOld WoodChocolate

Only Octomore 13.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley

Fresh FruitMedicinalHusky

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