Glenlivet 27 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company

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

Glenlivet 27 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
DistilleryThe GlenlivetThe Character of Islay Whisky Company
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV51.4%46.3%
Age27 yr33 yr
Price£467.95£399.95
Rating5.00/5

Glenlivet 27 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

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

Glenlivet 27 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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 £468.

For beginners: Glenlivet 27 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Glenlivet 27 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (51.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£467.95 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 £467.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Glenlivet?

Glenlivet 27 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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 Glenlivet 27 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

VanillaHoneyFresh FruitToasted

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

SmokeyDried FruitMedicinal

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