Big Peat 33 Year Old vs Royal Lochnagar 23 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Big Peat 33 Year Old
Big Peat
★ 5.00
£250
Royal Lochnagar 23 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts
Lochnagar
★ 4.00
£295
| Big Peat 33 Year Old | Royal Lochnagar 23 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Big Peat | Lochnagar |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.2% | 59.7% |
| Age | 33 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £249.95 | £294.63 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.00/5 |
Big Peat 33 Year Old
Royal Lochnagar 23 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts
Big Peat 33 Year Old
Royal Lochnagar 23 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts
Quick verdict
Big Peat 33 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Big Peat 33 Year Old is better value at £250 vs £295.
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 affordable (£249.95 vs £294.63)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Royal Lochnagar 23 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts
Pros
- +Intense, complex peat smoke character
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Challenging for beginners — intense and polarising
- −High ABV (59.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£294.63 vs £249.95)
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 Royal?
Royal Lochnagar 23 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts is for peat enthusiasts and experienced whisky lovers who appreciate bold, smoky, medicinal character. If you enjoy Ardbeg or Laphroaig, this is your dram. Not recommended for beginners.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Big Peat 33 Year Old
Only Royal Lochnagar 23 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts