Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Famous Grouse 12 Year Old Gold Reserve (1L)

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Famous Grouse 12 Year Old Gold Reserve (1L)
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanyFamous Grouse
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV48.8%43%
Age11 yr12 yr
Price£66.95£79.99
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old Gold Reserve (1L)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner75/100
Value63/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old Gold Reserve (1L)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £67 vs £80.

For beginners: Famous Grouse 12 Year Old Gold Reserve (1L) is more approachable (75/100 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 £79.99)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old Gold Reserve (1L)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 11 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£79.99 vs £66.95)
  • 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 Famous?

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old Gold Reserve (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 Famous Grouse 12 Year Old Gold Reserve (1L)

HoneyVanillaMalt ExtractToastedOld Wood

Explore more