Mars Maltage Cosmo - Wine Cask Finish vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Mars Maltage Cosmo - Wine Cask FinishIslay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryMarsThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
Region
CountryJapanScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%48.8%
AgeNAS11 yr
Price£83.95£66.95
Rating3.00/55.00/5

Mars Maltage Cosmo - Wine Cask Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner75/100
Value36/100

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

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

Mars Maltage Cosmo - Wine Cask Finish

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 3.00).

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £67 vs £84.

For beginners: Mars Maltage Cosmo - Wine Cask Finish is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Mars Maltage Cosmo - Wine Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£83.95 vs £66.95)
  • Lower community rating (3.0 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 affordable (£66.95 vs £83.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Mars?

Mars Maltage Cosmo - Wine Cask Finish 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 Mars Maltage Cosmo - Wine Cask Finish

Fresh FruitCooked FruitSherriedVanilla

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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