Secret Highland 15 Year Old 2009 (North Star Spirits) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Secret Highland 15 Year Old 2009 (North Star Spirits)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryNorth Star SpiritsThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.3%48.8%
Age15 yr11 yr
Price£49.95£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Secret Highland 15 Year Old 2009 (North Star Spirits)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness49/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner50/100
Value75/100

Secret Highland 15 Year Old 2009 (North Star Spirits)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Secret Highland 15 Year Old 2009 (North Star Spirits) is better value at £50 vs £67.

For beginners: Secret Highland 15 Year Old 2009 (North Star Spirits) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Secret Highland 15 Year Old 2009 (North Star Spirits)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£49.95 vs £66.95)
  • +Longer maturation (15 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.3%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • 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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£66.95 vs £49.95)

Who should buy Secret?

Secret Highland 15 Year Old 2009 (North Star Spirits) 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.

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 Secret Highland 15 Year Old 2009 (North Star Spirits)

Malt ExtractHay-likeHoneyFragantFresh Fruit

Only Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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