Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company vs Tamdhu 30 Year Old 1987 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

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

Fiona Macleod 33 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky CompanyTamdhu 30 Year Old 1987 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
DistilleryThe Character of Islay Whisky CompanyTamdhu
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.3%53.9%
Age33 yr30 yr
Price£399.95£495
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Tamdhu 30 Year Old 1987 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tamdhu 30 Year Old 1987 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

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 £495.

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 £495)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Tamdhu 30 Year Old 1987 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£495 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 Tamdhu?

Tamdhu 30 Year Old 1987 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) 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

Dried Fruit

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

SmokeyOld WoodMedicinal

Only Tamdhu 30 Year Old 1987 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

SherriedChocolateToastedVanilla

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