Brora 30 Year Old 1976 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) vs Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company

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

Brora 30 Year Old 1976 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
DistilleryBroraThe Character of Islay Whisky Company
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.1%46.3%
Age30 yr33 yr
Price£302.3£399.95
Rating5.00/5

Brora 30 Year Old 1976 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

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

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

Brora 30 Year Old 1976 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

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).

Brora 30 Year Old 1976 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) is better value at £302 vs £400.

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

Brora 30 Year Old 1976 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£302.3 vs £399.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (55.1%) — 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 30 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£399.95 vs £302.3)

Who should buy Brora?

Brora 30 Year Old 1976 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) 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

SmokeyOld WoodDried Fruit

Only Brora 30 Year Old 1976 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

Leathery

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

Medicinal

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