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)Invergordon 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryDouglas LaingInvergordon
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV53.2%48%
Age14 yr42 yr
Price£124.55£106.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner30/100
Value40/100

Invergordon 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner55/100
Value47/100

Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Invergordon 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

Toasted

Only Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyMedicinalOily

Only Invergordon 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

VanillaHoneyMalt Extract

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