Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 2884) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 2884) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Ardmore
£399
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
The Character of Islay Whisky Company
★ 5.00
£400
| Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 2884) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardmore | The Character of Islay Whisky Company |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.9% | 46.3% |
| Age | 30 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £398.71 | £399.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 2884) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 2884) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Quick verdict
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 2884) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £399 vs £400.
For beginners: Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 2884) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£398.71 vs £399.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (56.9%) — may need water
- −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)
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 30 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£399.95 vs £398.71)
Who should buy Ardmore?
Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 2884) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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
Only Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 2884) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company