Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006)

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006)
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanyCragganmore
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.8%55.5%
Age11 yr17 yr
Price£66.95£65.45
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006) is better value at £65 vs £67.

For beginners: Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006) is more approachable (55/100 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£66.95 vs £65.45)

Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£65.45 vs £66.95)
  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.5%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Cragganmore?

Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

Only Cragganmore 17 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2006)

ChocolateToastedVanillaHoney

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