Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company vs Linkwood 34 Year Old 1984 (batch 18/064) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
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

Linkwood 34 Year Old 1984 (batch 18/064) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Linkwood
★ 5.00
£493
| Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company | Linkwood 34 Year Old 1984 (batch 18/064) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Character of Islay Whisky Company | Linkwood |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46.3% | 58.1% |
| Age | 33 yr | 34 yr |
| Price | £399.95 | £493 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Linkwood 34 Year Old 1984 (batch 18/064) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Linkwood 34 Year Old 1984 (batch 18/064) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company is better value at £400 vs £493.
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
- +More affordable (£399.95 vs £493)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Linkwood 34 Year Old 1984 (batch 18/064) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (34 vs 33 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£493 vs £399.95)
- −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 Linkwood?
Linkwood 34 Year Old 1984 (batch 18/064) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Linkwood 34 Year Old 1984 (batch 18/064) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)