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 ChoiceFiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
DistilleryLinkwoodThe Character of Islay Whisky Company
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV42.8%46.3%
Age30 yr33 yr
Price£392.38£399.95
Rating5.00/5

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

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value13/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

Old Wood

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

HoneySherriedMalt ExtractOily

Only Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company

SmokeyDried FruitMedicinal

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