Fettercairn 24 Year Old 1984 vs Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company

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

Fettercairn 24 Year Old 1984Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
DistilleryFettercairnThe Character of Islay Whisky Company
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV44.4%46.3%
Age24 yr33 yr
Price£399£399.95
Rating4.67/55.00/5

Fettercairn 24 Year Old 1984

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner75/100
Value12/100

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

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

Fettercairn 24 Year Old 1984

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 4.67).

Fettercairn 24 Year Old 1984 is better value at £399 vs £400.

For beginners: Fettercairn 24 Year Old 1984 is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Fettercairn 24 Year Old 1984

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £399.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.7 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
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 24 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£399.95 vs £399)

Who should buy Fettercairn?

Fettercairn 24 Year Old 1984 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

Old WoodDried Fruit

Only Fettercairn 24 Year Old 1984

HoneyTobacco

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

SmokeyMedicinal

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