Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company vs Balvenie 15 Year Old 1988 (cask 3321) Single Barrel
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
The Character of Islay Whisky Company
★ 5.00
£400
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1988 (cask 3321) Single Barrel
Balvenie
£399
| Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company | Balvenie 15 Year Old 1988 (cask 3321) Single Barrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Character of Islay Whisky Company | Balvenie |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46.3% | 47.8% |
| Age | 33 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £399.95 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1988 (cask 3321) Single Barrel
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1988 (cask 3321) Single Barrel
Quick verdict
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1988 (cask 3321) Single Barrel is better value at £399 vs £400.
For beginners: Balvenie 15 Year Old 1988 (cask 3321) Single Barrel is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
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 15 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£399.95 vs £399)
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1988 (cask 3321) Single Barrel
Pros
- +More affordable (£399 vs £399.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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.
Who should buy Balvenie?
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1988 (cask 3321) Single Barrel suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Only Balvenie 15 Year Old 1988 (cask 3321) Single Barrel