Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
That Boutique-y Whisky Company
★ 5.00
£67
BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089)
Benriach
★ 5.00
£96
| Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | That Boutique-y Whisky Company | Benriach |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.8% | 59.5% |
| Age | 11 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £66.95 | £95.52 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089)
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089)
Quick verdict
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £67 vs £96.
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 £95.52)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 11 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£95.52 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 BenRiach?
BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089) 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)
Only BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089)