Starward 2017 Antipodes (cask 9171) Apple Brandy Finish vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Starward 2017 Antipodes (cask 9171) Apple Brandy FinishIslay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryStarwardThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
Region
CountryAustraliaScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50%48.8%
AgeNAS11 yr
Price£83.62£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Starward 2017 Antipodes (cask 9171) Apple Brandy Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

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

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

Starward 2017 Antipodes (cask 9171) Apple Brandy 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 0.00).

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

For beginners: Starward 2017 Antipodes (cask 9171) Apple Brandy Finish is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Starward 2017 Antipodes (cask 9171) Apple Brandy Finish

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£83.62 vs £66.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 £83.62)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Starward?

Starward 2017 Antipodes (cask 9171) Apple Brandy 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 Starward 2017 Antipodes (cask 9171) Apple Brandy Finish

Fresh FruitVanillaHoneyCitricCooked Fruit

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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