New Riff Straight Bourbon vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

New Riff Straight BourbonIslay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryNew RiffThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
Region
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV50%48.8%
AgeNAS11 yr
Price£66.95£66.95
Rating4.67/55.00/5

New Riff Straight Bourbon

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner75/100
Value70/100

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

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

New Riff Straight 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 rated higher (5.00 vs 4.67).

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

For beginners: New Riff Straight Bourbon is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

New Riff Straight Bourbon

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.7 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy New?

New Riff Straight Bourbon 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 New Riff Straight Bourbon

VanillaToastedNew WoodHoney

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

Explore more