Barrell Vantage Bourbon vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Barrell Vantage BourbonIslay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryBarrell Craft SpiritsThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
Region
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV56.8%48.8%
AgeNAS11 yr
Price£93.25£66.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Barrell Vantage Bourbon

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner40/100
Value54/100

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

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

Barrell Vantage Bourbon

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 better value at £67 vs £93.

For beginners: Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Barrell Vantage Bourbon

Pros

  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (56.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£93.25 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 £93.25)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Barrell?

Barrell Vantage Bourbon 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 Barrell Vantage Bourbon

VanillaToastedHoneyNew WoodNutty

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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