Girvan 31 Year Old 1990 (Thompson Bros.) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Girvan 31 Year Old 1990 (Thompson Bros.)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryGirvanThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeGrainSingle Malt
ABV50.6%48.8%
Age31 yr11 yr
Price£89.95£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Girvan 31 Year Old 1990 (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

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

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

Girvan 31 Year Old 1990 (Thompson Bros.)

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).

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £67 vs £90.

For beginners: Girvan 31 Year Old 1990 (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Girvan 31 Year Old 1990 (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 11 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£89.95 vs £66.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 £89.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Girvan?

Girvan 31 Year Old 1990 (Thompson Bros.) 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 Girvan 31 Year Old 1990 (Thompson Bros.)

VanillaOld WoodHoneyMalt ExtractNutty

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

Explore more