Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company vs SMWS 62.10 23 Year Old 1979

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

Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky CompanySMWS 62.10 23 Year Old 1979
DistilleryThe Character of Islay Whisky CompanyGlenlochy
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.3%56.8%
Age33 yr23 yr
Price£399.95£500
Rating5.00/5

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

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

SMWS 62.10 23 Year Old 1979

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

SMWS 62.10 23 Year Old 1979

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 £500.

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 £500)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

SMWS 62.10 23 Year Old 1979

Pros

  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (56.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£500 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 SMWS?

SMWS 62.10 23 Year Old 1979 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

Old Wood

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

SmokeyDried FruitMedicinal

Only SMWS 62.10 23 Year Old 1979

HoneyCooked MashNutty

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