Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Braeval 23 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Braeval 23 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanyBraeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet)
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.8%44.6%
Age11 yr23 yr
Price£66.95£99.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Braeval 23 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner80/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Braeval 23 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £67 vs £100.

For beginners: Braeval 23 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is more approachable (80/100 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 affordable (£66.95 vs £99.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Braeval 23 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£99.95 vs £66.95)
  • 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 Braeval?

Braeval 23 Year Old - Forgotten Gems 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 Braeval 23 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Malt ExtractHoneyFresh FruitVanilla

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