Kilchoman 2011 / 11 Year Old / Whisky Show 2023 Islay Whisky vs The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

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

Kilchoman 2011 / 11 Year Old / Whisky Show 2023 Islay WhiskyThe Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
DistilleryKilchomanThe Lakes Distillery
Region
CountryUnited KingdomEngland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%52%
AgeNASNAS
Price£125£84.95
Rating5.00/5

Kilchoman 2011 / 11 Year Old / Whisky Show 2023 Islay Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner65/100
Value59/100

Kilchoman 2011 / 11 Year Old / Whisky Show 2023 Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is better value at £85 vs £125.

For beginners: The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Kilchoman 2011 / 11 Year Old / Whisky Show 2023 Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£125 vs £84.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£84.95 vs £125)

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Kilchoman?

Kilchoman 2011 / 11 Year Old / Whisky Show 2023 Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Who should buy The?

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Honey

Only Kilchoman 2011 / 11 Year Old / Whisky Show 2023 Islay Whisky

Fresh FruitSmokey

Only The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

SherriedVanillaToasted

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