Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky CompanyOld Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
DistilleryThe Character of Islay Whisky CompanyPulteney
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.3%46%
Age33 yr26 yr
Price£399.95£399
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness52/100
Beginner50/100
Value13/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is better value at £399 vs £400.

For beginners: Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 26 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£399.95 vs £399)

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £399.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

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 Old?

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

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

Old WoodDried FruitMedicinal

Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

CitricHoneyToastedFresh Fruit

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