Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Balblair 8 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)
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
Balblair 8 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)
Balblair
£50
| Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | Balblair 8 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | That Boutique-y Whisky Company | Balblair |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.8% | 55.6% |
| Age | 11 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £66.95 | £49.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Balblair 8 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Balblair 8 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)
Quick verdict
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balblair 8 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness) is better value at £50 vs £67.
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)
- +Longer maturation (11 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£66.95 vs £49.95)
Balblair 8 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)
Pros
- +More affordable (£49.95 vs £66.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.6%) — 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 Balblair?
Balblair 8 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness) 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 Balblair 8 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)