Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing) vs Invergordon 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing)
Douglas Laing
★ 5.00
£125

Invergordon 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Invergordon
★ 5.00
£107
| Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing) | Invergordon 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Douglas Laing | Invergordon |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 53.2% | 48% |
| Age | 14 yr | 42 yr |
| Price | £124.55 | £106.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing)
Invergordon 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing)
Invergordon 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Invergordon 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £107 vs £125.
For beginners: Invergordon 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (53.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£124.55 vs £106.95)
Invergordon 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£106.95 vs £124.55)
- +Longer maturation (42 vs 14 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Islay?
Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Who should buy Invergordon?
Invergordon 42 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 Highland character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing)
Only Invergordon 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)