Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Black Dog 12 Year Old - 1980s (1L)

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Black Dog 12 Year Old - 1980s (1L)
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanyCharles Mackinlay & Co
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV48.8%43%
Age11 yr12 yr
Price£66.95£49.99
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Black Dog 12 Year Old - 1980s (1L)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner90/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Black Dog 12 Year Old - 1980s (1L)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Black Dog 12 Year Old - 1980s (1L) is better value at £50 vs £67.

For beginners: Black Dog 12 Year Old - 1980s (1L) is more approachable (90/100 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£66.95 vs £49.99)

Black Dog 12 Year Old - 1980s (1L)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£49.99 vs £66.95)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • 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 Black?

Black Dog 12 Year Old - 1980s (1L) 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 Black Dog 12 Year Old - 1980s (1L)

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractOld WoodTobacco

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