Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark vs Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark
Highland Park
★ 4.89
£299
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
The Character of Islay Whisky Company
★ 5.00
£400
| Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark | Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Highland Park | The Character of Islay Whisky Company |
| Region | Island | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 52.9% | 46.3% |
| Age | 17 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £299 | £399.95 |
| Rating | 4.89/5 | 5.00/5 |
Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark
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 4.89).
Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark is better value at £299 vs £400.
For beginners: Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£299 vs £399.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (52.9%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 17 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£399.95 vs £299)
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark 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 Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark
Only Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company