Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Spirit of Hven Seven Stars No.2 Merak

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Spirit of Hven Seven Stars No.2 Merak
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanySpirit of Hven
Region
CountryScotlandSweden
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.8%45%
Age11 yrNAS
Price£66.95£94.5
Rating5.00/54.60/5

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

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

Spirit of Hven Seven Stars No.2 Merak

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner80/100
Value49/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Spirit of Hven Seven Stars No.2 Merak

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.60).

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £67 vs £95.

For beginners: Spirit of Hven Seven Stars No.2 Merak 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 £94.5)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Spirit of Hven Seven Stars No.2 Merak

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£94.5 vs £66.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.6 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 Spirit?

Spirit of Hven Seven Stars No.2 Merak 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 Spirit of Hven Seven Stars No.2 Merak

SherriedHoneyVanillaToastedOld Wood

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