Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Balmenach 11 Year Old 2013 - Cadenhead's Natural Strength

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Balmenach 11 Year Old 2013 - Cadenhead's Natural Strength
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanyBalmenach
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.8%57.9%
Age11 yr11 yr
Price£66.95£89.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Balmenach 11 Year Old 2013 - Cadenhead's Natural Strength

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Balmenach 11 Year Old 2013 - Cadenhead's Natural Strength

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 £90.

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 £89.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Balmenach 11 Year Old 2013 - Cadenhead's Natural Strength

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (57.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£89.95 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 Balmenach?

Balmenach 11 Year Old 2013 - Cadenhead's Natural Strength 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 Balmenach 11 Year Old 2013 - Cadenhead's Natural Strength

VanillaMalt ExtractHoneyFresh FruitToasted

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