Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company vs Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2016

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

Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky CompanyFour Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2016
DistilleryThe Character of Islay Whisky CompanyFour Roses
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV46.3%55.6%
Age33 yrNAS
Price£399.95£499
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2016

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner35/100
Value10/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2016

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company is better value at £400 vs £499.

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
  • +More affordable (£399.95 vs £499)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2016

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£499 vs £399.95)
  • 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 Four?

Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2016 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

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

SmokeyOld WoodDried FruitMedicinal

Only Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2016

VanillaFresh FruitToastedHoneyOily

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