Big Peat 33 Year Old vs Smokehead 18 Year Old Extra Black

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

Big Peat 33 Year OldSmokehead 18 Year Old Extra Black
DistilleryBig PeatSmokehead
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.2%46%
Age33 yr18 yr
Price£249.95£250
Rating5.00/54.91/5

Big Peat 33 Year Old

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

Smokehead 18 Year Old Extra Black

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner50/100
Value20/100

Big Peat 33 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Smokehead 18 Year Old Extra Black

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Big Peat 33 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.91).

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

For beginners: Smokehead 18 Year Old Extra Black is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Big Peat 33 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£249.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 18 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Smokehead 18 Year Old Extra Black

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£250 vs £249.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.9 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 Smokehead?

Smokehead 18 Year Old Extra Black suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyDried FruitOld Wood

Only Big Peat 33 Year Old

SherriedChocolate

Only Smokehead 18 Year Old Extra Black

LeatheryMedicinal

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