Hazelwood Centennial Reserve 20 Year Old vs Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Hazelwood Centennial Reserve 20 Year Old
William Grant
★ 4.33
£299
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
The Character of Islay Whisky Company
★ 5.00
£400
| Hazelwood Centennial Reserve 20 Year Old | Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | William Grant | The Character of Islay Whisky Company |
| Region | Other Scotch | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46.3% |
| Age | 20 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £299 | £399.95 |
| Rating | 4.33/5 | 5.00/5 |
Hazelwood Centennial Reserve 20 Year Old
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Hazelwood Centennial Reserve 20 Year Old
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 4.33).
Hazelwood Centennial Reserve 20 Year Old is better value at £299 vs £400.
For beginners: Hazelwood Centennial Reserve 20 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Hazelwood Centennial Reserve 20 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£299 vs £399.95)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.3 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
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 20 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£399.95 vs £299)
Who should buy Hazelwood?
Hazelwood Centennial Reserve 20 Year Old 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 Hazelwood Centennial Reserve 20 Year Old
Only Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company