Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company vs Nikka Coffey Grain 14 Year Old 1999 (cask 209699)

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

Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky CompanyNikka Coffey Grain 14 Year Old 1999 (cask 209699)
DistilleryThe Character of Islay Whisky CompanyNikka
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV46.3%63%
Age33 yr14 yr
Price£399.95£595
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Nikka Coffey Grain 14 Year Old 1999 (cask 209699)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Nikka Coffey Grain 14 Year Old 1999 (cask 209699)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company is better value at £400 vs £595.

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)
  • +More affordable (£399.95 vs £595)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Nikka Coffey Grain 14 Year Old 1999 (cask 209699)

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (63%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£595 vs £399.95)
  • 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 Nikka?

Nikka Coffey Grain 14 Year Old 1999 (cask 209699) 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

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

SmokeyOld WoodDried FruitMedicinal

Only Nikka Coffey Grain 14 Year Old 1999 (cask 209699)

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractOilyToasted

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