North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryNorth BritishThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeGrainSingle Malt
ABV51.7%48.8%
Age30 yr11 yr
Price£100£66.95
Rating5.00/5

North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

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

North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.)

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 £100.

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

North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£100 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 £100)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy North?

North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.) 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

Both taste of

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

Only North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.)

Oily

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

Dried Fruit

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