Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company vs Auchentoshan 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 14568) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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

Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky CompanyAuchentoshan 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 14568) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryThe Character of Islay Whisky CompanyAuchentoshan
RegionIslayLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.3%56.2%
Age33 yr30 yr
Price£399.95£448.8
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Auchentoshan 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 14568) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness90/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Auchentoshan 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 14568) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company is better value at £400 vs £449.

For beginners: Auchentoshan 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 14568) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (50/100 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)
  • +More affordable (£399.95 vs £448.8)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Auchentoshan 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 14568) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (56.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£448.8 vs £399.95)
  • 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 Auchentoshan?

Auchentoshan 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 14568) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

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

SmokeyDried FruitMedicinal

Only Auchentoshan 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 14568) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

LeatheryVanillaOilyTobacco

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