SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979 vs Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979
Dalwhinnie
£495
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
The Character of Islay Whisky Company
★ 5.00
£400
| SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979 | Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Dalwhinnie | The Character of Islay Whisky Company |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.4% | 46.3% |
| Age | 14 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £495 | £399.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979
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).
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company is better value at £400 vs £495.
For beginners: SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979 is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979
Pros
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£495 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 £495)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy SMWS?
SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979 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 SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979
Only Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company