Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) vs Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£299

Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
The Character of Islay Whisky Company
★ 5.00
£400
| Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) | Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Springbank | The Character of Islay Whisky Company |
| Region | Campbeltown | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 46.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £299 | £399.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Quick verdict
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) 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).
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£299 vs £399.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£399.95 vs £299)
Who should buy Springbank?
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) 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
Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Only Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company