Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Balblair 15 Year Old

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Balblair 15 Year Old
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanyBalblair
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.8%46%
Age11 yr15 yr
Price£66.95£75.5
Rating5.00/54.23/5

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

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

Balblair 15 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner80/100
Value56/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Balblair 15 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.23).

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £67 vs £76.

For beginners: Balblair 15 Year Old is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).

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 £75.5)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Balblair 15 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (15 vs 11 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£75.5 vs £66.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.2 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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.

Who should buy Balblair?

Balblair 15 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.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

Only Balblair 15 Year Old

SherriedCooked FruitChocolateVanillaOld Wood

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