Linkwood 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 6711) - Mackillop's Choice vs Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Linkwood 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 6711) - Mackillop's Choice
Linkwood
£392

Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
The Character of Islay Whisky Company
★ 5.00
£400
| Linkwood 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 6711) - Mackillop's Choice | Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Linkwood | The Character of Islay Whisky Company |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 42.8% | 46.3% |
| Age | 30 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £392.38 | £399.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Linkwood 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 6711) - Mackillop's Choice
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Linkwood 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 6711) - Mackillop's Choice
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Quick verdict
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Linkwood 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 6711) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £392 vs £400.
For beginners: Linkwood 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 6711) - Mackillop's Choice is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Linkwood 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 6711) - Mackillop's Choice
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£392.38 vs £399.95)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 30 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£399.95 vs £392.38)
Who should buy Linkwood?
Linkwood 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 6711) - Mackillop's Choice is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Who should buy Fiona?
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company 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
Only Linkwood 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 6711) - Mackillop's Choice
Only Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company