Bell's 21 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bell's 21 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s
Bell's
★ 4.88
£100
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
That Boutique-y Whisky Company
★ 5.00
£67
| Bell's 21 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s | Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bell's | That Boutique-y Whisky Company |
| Region | Other Scotch | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 48.8% |
| Age | 21 yr | 11 yr |
| Price | £99.95 | £66.95 |
| Rating | 4.88/5 | 5.00/5 |
Bell's 21 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Bell's 21 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.88).
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £67 vs £100.
For beginners: Bell's 21 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).
Bell's 21 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 11 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£99.95 vs £66.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.9 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 affordable (£66.95 vs £99.95)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Bell's?
Bell's 21 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s 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 Bell's 21 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s
Only Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)