Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Balmenach 22 Year Old - Living Souls

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Balmenach 22 Year Old - Living Souls
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanyBalmenach
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.8%44.9%
Age11 yr22 yr
Price£66.95£108.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Balmenach 22 Year Old - Living Souls

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Balmenach 22 Year Old - Living Souls

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 £109.

For beginners: Balmenach 22 Year Old - Living Souls is more approachable (60/100 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 £108.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Balmenach 22 Year Old - Living Souls

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (22 vs 11 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£108.95 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 Balmenach?

Balmenach 22 Year Old - Living Souls suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

Only Balmenach 22 Year Old - Living Souls

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractToastedOld Wood

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