Ardlair 14 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Ardlair 14 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryArdmoreThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57%48.8%
Age14 yr11 yr
Price£48.95£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Ardlair 14 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

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

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

Ardlair 14 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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).

Ardlair 14 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £49 vs £67.

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

Ardlair 14 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£48.95 vs £66.95)
  • +Longer maturation (14 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£66.95 vs £48.95)

Who should buy Ardlair?

Ardlair 14 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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 Ardlair 14 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaToasted

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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