Glenfiddich 15 Year Old 2003 (cask 30498) - Spirit of Speyside 2019 vs Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company

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

Glenfiddich 15 Year Old 2003 (cask 30498) - Spirit of Speyside 2019Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
DistilleryGlenfiddichThe Character of Islay Whisky Company
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.5%46.3%
Age15 yr33 yr
Price£350£399.95
Rating5.00/5

Glenfiddich 15 Year Old 2003 (cask 30498) - Spirit of Speyside 2019

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

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

Glenfiddich 15 Year Old 2003 (cask 30498) - Spirit of Speyside 2019

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).

Glenfiddich 15 Year Old 2003 (cask 30498) - Spirit of Speyside 2019 is better value at £350 vs £400.

For beginners: Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Glenfiddich 15 Year Old 2003 (cask 30498) - Spirit of Speyside 2019

Pros

  • +More affordable (£350 vs £399.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58.5%) — may need water
  • 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 15 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£399.95 vs £350)

Who should buy Glenfiddich?

Glenfiddich 15 Year Old 2003 (cask 30498) - Spirit of Speyside 2019 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.

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

Dried Fruit

Only Glenfiddich 15 Year Old 2003 (cask 30498) - Spirit of Speyside 2019

Cooked FruitSherriedHoneyNutty

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

SmokeyOld WoodMedicinal

Explore more