Arran Malt & Music Festival 2022 - 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 847) vs Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company

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

Arran Malt & Music Festival 2022 - 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 847)Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
DistilleryArranThe Character of Islay Whisky Company
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.5%46.3%
Age12 yr33 yr
Price£299£399.95
Rating5.00/5

Arran Malt & Music Festival 2022 - 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 847)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

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

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

Arran Malt & Music Festival 2022 - 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 847)

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).

Arran Malt & Music Festival 2022 - 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 847) is better value at £299 vs £400.

For beginners: Arran Malt & Music Festival 2022 - 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 847) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Arran Malt & Music Festival 2022 - 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 847)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £399.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.5%) — 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)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£399.95 vs £299)

Who should buy Arran?

Arran Malt & Music Festival 2022 - 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 847) 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

Dried Fruit

Only Arran Malt & Music Festival 2022 - 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 847)

SherriedVanillaChocolateHoney

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

SmokeyOld WoodMedicinal

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