963 8 Year Old Blended Malt (59%) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

963 8 Year Old Blended Malt (59%)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryYamazakuraThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
Region
CountryJapanScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV59%48.8%
Age8 yr11 yr
Price£77.95£66.95
Rating5.00/5

963 8 Year Old Blended Malt (59%)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

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

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

963 8 Year Old Blended Malt (59%)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

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 £78.

For beginners: Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

963 8 Year Old Blended Malt (59%)

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (59%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£77.95 vs £66.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 £77.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy 963?

963 8 Year Old Blended Malt (59%) 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 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.

Tasting notes

Only 963 8 Year Old Blended Malt (59%)

Malt ExtractToastedVanillaFresh Fruit

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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