The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak ReserveIslay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryThe GlenlivetThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%48.8%
Age15 yr11 yr
Price£50.5£66.95
Rating4.50/55.00/5

The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness88/100
Beginner90/100
Value89/100

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

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

The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve

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).

The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve is better value at £51 vs £67.

For beginners: The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£50.5 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 £50.5)

Who should buy The?

The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve 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 The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve

VanillaHoneyNew WoodCitric

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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