Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Ben Nevis 17 Year Old Palo Cortado Cask Finish (Darkness)

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Ben Nevis 17 Year Old Palo Cortado Cask Finish (Darkness)
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanyBen Nevis
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.8%49%
Age11 yr17 yr
Price£66.95£66.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Ben Nevis 17 Year Old Palo Cortado Cask Finish (Darkness)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ben Nevis 17 Year Old Palo Cortado Cask Finish (Darkness)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Ben Nevis 17 Year Old Palo Cortado Cask Finish (Darkness) is better value at £67 vs £67.

For beginners: Ben Nevis 17 Year Old Palo Cortado Cask Finish (Darkness) 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Ben Nevis 17 Year Old Palo Cortado Cask Finish (Darkness)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (17 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 Ben?

Ben Nevis 17 Year Old Palo Cortado Cask Finish (Darkness) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

Only Ben Nevis 17 Year Old Palo Cortado Cask Finish (Darkness)

SherriedVanillaChocolateToasted

Explore more