Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Balblair 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
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
Balblair 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Balblair
★ 4.00
£63
| Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | Balblair 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | That Boutique-y Whisky Company | Balblair |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.8% | 50% |
| Age | 11 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £66.95 | £62.97 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.00/5 |
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Balblair 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Balblair 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Balblair 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) is better value at £63 vs £67.
For beginners: Balblair 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) 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
- −More expensive (£66.95 vs £62.97)
Balblair 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +More affordable (£62.97 vs £66.95)
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 11 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.0 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 Balblair?
Balblair 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) 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)
Only Balblair 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)