Secret Highland Distillery 22 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Secret Highland Distillery 22 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryMaster of MaltThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.4%48.8%
Age22 yr11 yr
Price£99.95£66.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Secret Highland Distillery 22 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner65/100
Value50/100

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

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

Secret Highland Distillery 22 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)

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 £100.

For beginners: Secret Highland Distillery 22 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Secret Highland Distillery 22 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Longer maturation (22 vs 11 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (54.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£99.95 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 £99.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Secret?

Secret Highland Distillery 22 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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 Secret Highland Distillery 22 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)

Old WoodHoneyVanillaMalt Extract

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

Explore more