Balblair 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balblair 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Balblair
★ 5.00
£86
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
That Boutique-y Whisky Company
★ 5.00
£67
| Balblair 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) | Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | That Boutique-y Whisky Company |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 48.8% |
| Age | 21 yr | 11 yr |
| Price | £85.82 | £66.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balblair 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Balblair 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £67 vs £86.
For beginners: Balblair 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Balblair 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 11 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£85.82 vs £66.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£66.95 vs £85.82)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Balblair?
Balblair 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) 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.
Who should buy Islay?
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Balblair 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)