Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company vs Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
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
Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Glenburgie
£299
| Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company | Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Character of Islay Whisky Company | Glenburgie |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46.3% | 59.8% |
| Age | 33 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £399.95 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Quick verdict
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) is better value at £299 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 20 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£399.95 vs £299)
Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Pros
- +Intense, complex peat smoke character
- +More affordable (£299 vs £399.95)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Challenging for beginners — intense and polarising
- −High ABV (59.8%) — 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 Glenburgie?
Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) is for peat enthusiasts and experienced whisky lovers who appreciate bold, smoky, medicinal character. If you enjoy Ardbeg or Laphroaig, this is your dram. Not recommended for beginners.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Only Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)