Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanyTalisker
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.8%57.9%
Age11 yr8 yr
Price£66.95£99.99
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner25/100
Value50/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £67 vs £100.

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 £99.99)
  • +Longer maturation (11 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (57.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£99.99 vs £66.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 Talisker?

Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2020) 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

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinal

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

Dried FruitLeathery

Only Talisker 8 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

OilyKippery

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