Dalmore 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky vs Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company

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

Dalmore 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Highland Single Malt Scotch WhiskyFiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
DistilleryDalmoreThe Character of Islay Whisky Company
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%46.3%
AgeNAS33 yr
Price£299£399.95
Rating5.00/5

Dalmore 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

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

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

Dalmore 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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).

Dalmore 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is better value at £299 vs £400.

For beginners: Dalmore 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Dalmore 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £399.95)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£399.95 vs £299)

Who should buy Dalmore?

Dalmore 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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

Old Wood

Only Dalmore 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

VanillaHoneyToasted

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

SmokeyDried FruitMedicinal

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