Glen Grant 27 Year Old 1973 (cask 7648) - First Cask vs Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company

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

Glen Grant 27 Year Old 1973 (cask 7648) - First CaskFiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
DistilleryGlen GrantThe Character of Islay Whisky Company
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%46.3%
Age27 yr33 yr
Price£599£399.95
Rating5.00/5

Glen Grant 27 Year Old 1973 (cask 7648) - First Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

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

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

Glen Grant 27 Year Old 1973 (cask 7648) - First Cask

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 £599.

For beginners: Glen Grant 27 Year Old 1973 (cask 7648) - First Cask is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Glen Grant 27 Year Old 1973 (cask 7648) - First Cask

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£599 vs £399.95)
  • 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 affordable (£399.95 vs £599)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Grant 27 Year Old 1973 (cask 7648) - First Cask is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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 Wood

Only Glen Grant 27 Year Old 1973 (cask 7648) - First Cask

HoneyVanillaToasted

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

SmokeyDried FruitMedicinal

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