Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs North Of Scotland 38 Years Old 1973 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)North Of Scotland 38 Years Old 1973 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanyNorth of Scotland
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV48.8%52%
Age11 yr38 yr
Price£66.95£107.18
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

North Of Scotland 38 Years Old 1973 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner45/100
Value47/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

North Of Scotland 38 Years Old 1973 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £67 vs £107.

For beginners: Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£66.95 vs £107.18)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

North Of Scotland 38 Years Old 1973 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (38 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£107.18 vs £66.95)
  • 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 North?

North Of Scotland 38 Years Old 1973 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

Only North Of Scotland 38 Years Old 1973 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)

VanillaOld WoodHoneyNuttyToasted

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