Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Dumbarton 22 Year Old 1997 (cask 178) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Dumbarton 22 Year Old 1997 (cask 178) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanyDumbarton
RegionLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV48.8%55.3%
Age11 yr22 yr
Price£66.95£85.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Dumbarton 22 Year Old 1997 (cask 178) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Dumbarton 22 Year Old 1997 (cask 178) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £67 vs £86.

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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£66.95 vs £85.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Dumbarton 22 Year Old 1997 (cask 178) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (22 vs 11 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£85.95 vs £66.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Dumbarton?

Dumbarton 22 Year Old 1997 (cask 178) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker) 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 Dumbarton 22 Year Old 1997 (cask 178) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

VanillaNew WoodToastedMalt ExtractHoney

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