Old Forester 1870 - Original Batch vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Old Forester 1870 - Original BatchIslay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryOld ForesterThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
Region
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV45%48.8%
AgeNAS11 yr
Price£49.9£66.95
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Old Forester 1870 - Original Batch

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner80/100
Value80/100

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

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

Old Forester 1870 - Original Batch

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 4.00).

Old Forester 1870 - Original Batch is better value at £50 vs £67.

For beginners: Old Forester 1870 - Original Batch is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).

Old Forester 1870 - Original Batch

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£49.9 vs £66.95)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.0 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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£66.95 vs £49.9)

Who should buy Old?

Old Forester 1870 - Original Batch 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 Old Forester 1870 - Original Batch

VanillaHoneyChocolateToastedNew Wood

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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