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 Finish
Starward
£84

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
That Boutique-y Whisky Company
★ 5.00
£67
| Starward 2017 Antipodes (cask 9171) Apple Brandy Finish | Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Starward | That Boutique-y Whisky Company |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Australia | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50% | 48.8% |
| Age | NAS | 11 yr |
| Price | £83.62 | £66.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Starward 2017 Antipodes (cask 9171) Apple Brandy Finish
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Starward 2017 Antipodes (cask 9171) Apple Brandy Finish
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
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
Only Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)