Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company vs Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark

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

Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky CompanyHighland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark
DistilleryThe Character of Islay Whisky CompanyHighland Park
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.3%52.9%
Age33 yr17 yr
Price£399.95£299
Rating5.00/54.89/5

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

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

Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner35/100
Value16/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.89).

Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark 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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 17 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£399.95 vs £299)

Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £399.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (52.9%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.9 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 Highland?

Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark 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

SmokeyOld WoodDried Fruit

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

Medicinal

Only Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark

SherriedChocolate

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