Caledonian 42 Year Old 1976 (cask 12769) - 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.
Caledonian 42 Year Old 1976 (cask 12769) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Caledonian
£329
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
The Character of Islay Whisky Company
★ 5.00
£400
| Caledonian 42 Year Old 1976 (cask 12769) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caledonian | The Character of Islay Whisky Company |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.3% | 46.3% |
| Age | 42 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £329.34 | £399.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caledonian 42 Year Old 1976 (cask 12769) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Caledonian 42 Year Old 1976 (cask 12769) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
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).
Caledonian 42 Year Old 1976 (cask 12769) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £329 vs £400.
For beginners: Caledonian 42 Year Old 1976 (cask 12769) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Caledonian 42 Year Old 1976 (cask 12769) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£329.34 vs £399.95)
- +Longer maturation (42 vs 33 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.3%) — 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 £329.34)
Who should buy Caledonian?
Caledonian 42 Year Old 1976 (cask 12769) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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 Caledonian 42 Year Old 1976 (cask 12769) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company