Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company vs Ardmore 21 Year Old 2002 - The Poker Face Collection (Hidden Spirits)

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

Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky CompanyArdmore 21 Year Old 2002 - The Poker Face Collection (Hidden Spirits)
DistilleryThe Character of Islay Whisky CompanyArdmore
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.3%53.3%
Age33 yr21 yr
Price£399.95£336.54
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Ardmore 21 Year Old 2002 - The Poker Face Collection (Hidden Spirits)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardmore 21 Year Old 2002 - The Poker Face Collection (Hidden Spirits)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ardmore 21 Year Old 2002 - The Poker Face Collection (Hidden Spirits) is better value at £337 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
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£399.95 vs £336.54)

Ardmore 21 Year Old 2002 - The Poker Face Collection (Hidden Spirits)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£336.54 vs £399.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.3%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Ardmore?

Ardmore 21 Year Old 2002 - The Poker Face Collection (Hidden Spirits) 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

Smokey

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

Old WoodDried FruitMedicinal

Only Ardmore 21 Year Old 2002 - The Poker Face Collection (Hidden Spirits)

Malt ExtractVanillaToasted

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