Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanyClynelish
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.8%48.6%
Age11 yr23 yr
Price£66.95£99.88
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke69/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value50/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

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 £99.88)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£99.88 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 Clynelish?

Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Medicinal

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

SmokeyDried FruitLeathery

Only Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

KipperyOilyCooked VegetableOld Wood

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