Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryDuncan TaylorThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.9%48.8%
Age17 yr11 yr
Price£86.96£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

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

Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

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 £87.

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

Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 11 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (52.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£86.96 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 £86.96)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Islay?

Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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

SmokeyLeathery

Only Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Old Wood

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

MedicinalDried Fruit

Explore more