Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company vs North of Scotland 50 Year Old 1971 - Stillwater

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

Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky CompanyNorth of Scotland 50 Year Old 1971 - Stillwater
DistilleryThe Character of Islay Whisky CompanyNorth of Scotland
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV46.3%42.2%
Age33 yr50 yr
Price£399.95£299.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

North of Scotland 50 Year Old 1971 - Stillwater

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value17/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

North of Scotland 50 Year Old 1971 - Stillwater

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

North of Scotland 50 Year Old 1971 - Stillwater is better value at £300 vs £400.

For beginners: North of Scotland 50 Year Old 1971 - Stillwater is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£399.95 vs £299.95)

North of Scotland 50 Year Old 1971 - Stillwater

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£299.95 vs £399.95)

Cons

  • 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 North?

North of Scotland 50 Year Old 1971 - Stillwater is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

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

SmokeyDried FruitMedicinal

Only North of Scotland 50 Year Old 1971 - Stillwater

SherriedVanillaNuttyHoney

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