Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs North British 35 Year Old 1989 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)North British 35 Year Old 1989 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanyNorth British
RegionLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV48.8%45.4%
Age11 yr35 yr
Price£66.95£99.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

North British 35 Year Old 1989 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner80/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

North British 35 Year Old 1989 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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 £100.

For beginners: North British 35 Year Old 1989 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (80/100 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 £99.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

North British 35 Year Old 1989 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 11 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£99.95 vs £66.95)
  • 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 North?

North British 35 Year Old 1989 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

Only North British 35 Year Old 1989 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaOld Wood

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