Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015) vs Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)
Lagavulin
★ 4.86
£299
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
The Character of Islay Whisky Company
★ 5.00
£400
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015) | Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | The Character of Islay Whisky Company |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.8% | 46.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £299 | £399.95 |
| Rating | 4.86/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)
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 4.86).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015) is better value at £299 vs £400.
For beginners: Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£299 vs £399.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.8%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£399.95 vs £299)
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015) 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
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)
Only Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange