Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) vs Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company

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

Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
DistilleryGlenburgieThe Character of Islay Whisky Company
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV59.8%46.3%
Age20 yr33 yr
Price£299£399.95
Rating5.00/5

Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Smoke72/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner5/100
Value0/100

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

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

Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

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).

Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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).

Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Pros

  • +Intense, complex peat smoke character
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £399.95)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Challenging for beginners — intense and polarising
  • High ABV (59.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 20 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£399.95 vs £299)

Who should buy Glenburgie?

Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) is for peat enthusiasts and experienced whisky lovers who appreciate bold, smoky, medicinal character. If you enjoy Ardbeg or Laphroaig, this is your dram. Not recommended for 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

MedicinalOld Wood

Only Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

HoneyNutty

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

SmokeyDried Fruit

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