Breath of the Highlands 35 Year Old 1972 (cask 1753) (Adelphi) vs Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company

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

Breath of the Highlands 35 Year Old 1972 (cask 1753) (Adelphi)Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
DistilleryAdelphiThe Character of Islay Whisky Company
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV51.7%46.3%
Age35 yr33 yr
Price£311.69£399.95
Rating5.00/5

Breath of the Highlands 35 Year Old 1972 (cask 1753) (Adelphi)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

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

Breath of the Highlands 35 Year Old 1972 (cask 1753) (Adelphi)

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).

Breath of the Highlands 35 Year Old 1972 (cask 1753) (Adelphi) is better value at £312 vs £400.

For beginners: Breath of the Highlands 35 Year Old 1972 (cask 1753) (Adelphi) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Breath of the Highlands 35 Year Old 1972 (cask 1753) (Adelphi)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£311.69 vs £399.95)
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 33 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£399.95 vs £311.69)

Who should buy Breath?

Breath of the Highlands 35 Year Old 1972 (cask 1753) (Adelphi) 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 WoodDried Fruit

Only Breath of the Highlands 35 Year Old 1972 (cask 1753) (Adelphi)

SherriedLeathery

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

SmokeyMedicinal

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