Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company

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

Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
DistilleryCaol IlaThe Character of Islay Whisky Company
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.1%46.3%
Age35 yr33 yr
Price£650£399.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

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

Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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 £650.

For beginners: Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 33 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£650 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 £650)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

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

SmokeyOld WoodMedicinalDried Fruit

Only Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Leathery

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