Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company vs Longrow Red 11 Year Old - Cabernet Franc Cask Finish

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

Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky CompanyLongrow Red 11 Year Old - Cabernet Franc Cask Finish
DistilleryThe Character of Islay Whisky CompanySpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.3%55.9%
Age33 yr11 yr
Price£399.95£299
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Longrow Red 11 Year Old - Cabernet Franc Cask Finish

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner25/100
Value17/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Longrow Red 11 Year Old - Cabernet Franc Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Longrow Red 11 Year Old - Cabernet Franc Cask Finish 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).

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 11 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£399.95 vs £299)

Longrow Red 11 Year Old - Cabernet Franc Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £399.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water

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 Longrow?

Longrow Red 11 Year Old - Cabernet Franc Cask Finish 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinal

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

Old WoodDried Fruit

Only Longrow Red 11 Year Old - Cabernet Franc Cask Finish

Cooked FruitLeatheryOily

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