Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)
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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)
Lagavulin
★ 4.86
£299
| Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Character of Islay Whisky Company | Lagavulin |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46.3% | 56.8% |
| Age | 33 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £399.95 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.86/5 |
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)
Quick verdict
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.86).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015) 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 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£399.95 vs £299)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)
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 (56.8%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter 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.
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015) 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 Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)
Where to buy
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange