Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanyCaol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.8%43%
Age11 yr13 yr
Price£66.95£50
Rating5.00/54.57/5

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

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

Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner65/100
Value91/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.57).

Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £50 vs £67.

For beginners: Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

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)

Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£50 vs £66.95)
  • +Longer maturation (13 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)

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 Caol?

Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

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

MedicinalDried FruitLeathery

Only Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

KipperyOilyFresh FruitCoal-gas

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