Ardmore 11 Year Old 2011 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Ardmore 11 Year Old 2011 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryArdmoreThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.7%48.8%
Age11 yr11 yr
Price£70£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Ardmore 11 Year Old 2011 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

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

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

Ardmore 11 Year Old 2011 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

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 £70.

For beginners: Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Ardmore 11 Year Old 2011 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (56.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£70 vs £66.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 £70)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 11 Year Old 2011 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

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 Ardmore 11 Year Old 2011 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SherriedCooked FruitVanillaToasted

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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