Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Balmenach 9 Year Old 2016 - 100 Proof Edition #57 (Signatory)
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
Balmenach 9 Year Old 2016 - 100 Proof Edition #57 (Signatory)
Balmenach
£48
| Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | Balmenach 9 Year Old 2016 - 100 Proof Edition #57 (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | That Boutique-y Whisky Company | Balmenach |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.8% | 57.1% |
| Age | 11 yr | 9 yr |
| Price | £66.95 | £47.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Balmenach 9 Year Old 2016 - 100 Proof Edition #57 (Signatory)
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Balmenach 9 Year Old 2016 - 100 Proof Edition #57 (Signatory)
Quick verdict
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balmenach 9 Year Old 2016 - 100 Proof Edition #57 (Signatory) is better value at £48 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 9 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£66.95 vs £47.95)
Balmenach 9 Year Old 2016 - 100 Proof Edition #57 (Signatory)
Pros
- +More affordable (£47.95 vs £66.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.1%) — 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 Balmenach?
Balmenach 9 Year Old 2016 - 100 Proof Edition #57 (Signatory) 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 Balmenach 9 Year Old 2016 - 100 Proof Edition #57 (Signatory)