Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old Highlands Origin

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old Highlands Origin
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanyJohnnie Walker
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV48.8%42%
Age11 yr12 yr
Price£66.95£51.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old Highlands Origin

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner75/100
Value96/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old Highlands Origin

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old Highlands Origin is better value at £52 vs £67.

For beginners: Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old Highlands Origin is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£66.95 vs £51.95)

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old Highlands Origin

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£51.95 vs £66.95)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • 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 Johnnie?

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old Highlands Origin 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 Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old Highlands Origin

HoneyVanillaMalt ExtractToastedOld Wood

Explore more