Knappogue Castle 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 45429) - Ex Libris Winds Of May vs Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company

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

Knappogue Castle 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 45429) - Ex Libris Winds Of MayFiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
DistilleryKnappogue CastleThe Character of Islay Whisky Company
RegionIslay
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58%46.3%
Age22 yr33 yr
Price£425£399.95
Rating5.00/5

Knappogue Castle 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 45429) - Ex Libris Winds Of May

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

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

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

Knappogue Castle 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 45429) - Ex Libris Winds Of May

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).

Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company is better value at £400 vs £425.

For beginners: Knappogue Castle 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 45429) - Ex Libris Winds Of May is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Knappogue Castle 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 45429) - Ex Libris Winds Of May

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£425 vs £399.95)
  • 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)
  • +More affordable (£399.95 vs £425)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Knappogue?

Knappogue Castle 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 45429) - Ex Libris Winds Of May suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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 FruitOld Wood

Only Knappogue Castle 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 45429) - Ex Libris Winds Of May

SherriedHoneyTobacco

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

SmokeyMedicinal

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