Monkey Shoulder Cage Gift Set vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Monkey Shoulder Cage Gift SetIslay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryMonkey ShoulderThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%48.8%
AgeNAS11 yr
Price£79.95£66.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Monkey Shoulder Cage Gift Set

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner90/100
Value63/100

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

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

Monkey Shoulder Cage Gift Set

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 £80.

For beginners: Monkey Shoulder Cage Gift Set is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

Monkey Shoulder Cage Gift Set

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£79.95 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 £79.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Monkey?

Monkey Shoulder Cage Gift Set 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 Monkey Shoulder Cage Gift Set

HoneyVanillaFresh FruitMalt ExtractCitric

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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