Royal Brackla 12 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Royal Brackla 12 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask FinishIslay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryBracklaThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%48.8%
Age12 yr11 yr
Price£62.59£66.95
Rating4.60/55.00/5

Royal Brackla 12 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner80/100
Value73/100

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

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

Royal Brackla 12 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish

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 4.60).

Royal Brackla 12 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish is better value at £63 vs £67.

For beginners: Royal Brackla 12 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).

Royal Brackla 12 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£62.59 vs £66.95)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.6 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)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£66.95 vs £62.59)

Who should buy Royal?

Royal Brackla 12 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish 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 Royal Brackla 12 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish

SherriedCooked FruitHoneyVanilla

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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