Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1990 (cask 12536) - 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 28 Year Old 1990 (cask 12536) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Douglas Laing
£318
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
The Character of Islay Whisky Company
★ 5.00
£400
| Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1990 (cask 12536) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Douglas Laing | The Character of Islay Whisky Company |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.8% | 46.3% |
| Age | 28 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £317.77 | £399.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1990 (cask 12536) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1990 (cask 12536) - 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).
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1990 (cask 12536) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £318 vs £400.
For beginners: Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1990 (cask 12536) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£317.77 vs £399.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.8%) — 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 28 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£399.95 vs £317.77)
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1990 (cask 12536) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1990 (cask 12536) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)