Jack Ryan Beggars Bush 12 Year Old vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Jack Ryan Beggars Bush 12 Year OldIslay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryJack RyanThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
Region
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%48.8%
Age12 yr11 yr
Price£51.95£66.95
Rating4.50/55.00/5

Jack Ryan Beggars Bush 12 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner80/100
Value87/100

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

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

Jack Ryan Beggars Bush 12 Year Old

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 4.50).

Jack Ryan Beggars Bush 12 Year Old is better value at £52 vs £67.

For beginners: Jack Ryan Beggars Bush 12 Year Old is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).

Jack Ryan Beggars Bush 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£51.95 vs £66.95)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.5 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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£66.95 vs £51.95)

Who should buy Jack?

Jack Ryan Beggars Bush 12 Year Old 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 Jack Ryan Beggars Bush 12 Year Old

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractFresh Fruit

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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