Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company vs Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2017
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
The Character of Islay Whisky Company
★ 5.00
£400
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2017
Four Roses
★ 5.00
£350
| Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company | Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2017 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Character of Islay Whisky Company | Four Roses |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 46.3% | 53.9% |
| Age | 33 yr | NAS |
| Price | £399.95 | £350 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2017
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2017
Quick verdict
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2017 is better value at £350 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
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£399.95 vs £350)
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2017
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£350 vs £399.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
- −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 2017 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
Only Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Only Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2017