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 CompanyLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)
DistilleryThe Character of Islay Whisky CompanyLagavulin
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.3%56.8%
Age33 yr12 yr
Price£399.95£299
Rating5.00/54.86/5

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

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value16/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokeyMedicinal

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

Old WoodDried Fruit

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)

OilyLeathery

Where to buy

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)

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