SMWS 62.10 23 Year Old 1979 vs Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company

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

SMWS 62.10 23 Year Old 1979Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
DistilleryGlenlochyThe Character of Islay Whisky Company
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.8%46.3%
Age23 yr33 yr
Price£500£399.95
Rating5.00/5

SMWS 62.10 23 Year Old 1979

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

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

SMWS 62.10 23 Year Old 1979

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 £500.

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

SMWS 62.10 23 Year Old 1979

Pros

  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (56.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£500 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 £500)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy SMWS?

SMWS 62.10 23 Year Old 1979 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

Old Wood

Only SMWS 62.10 23 Year Old 1979

HoneyCooked MashNutty

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

SmokeyDried FruitMedicinal

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