Ardmore 21 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryArdmoreThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV51.5%48.8%
Age21 yr11 yr
Price£104.95£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

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

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

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.)

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 £105.

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

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£104.95 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 £104.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.) 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

Both taste of

SmokeyLeathery

Only Ardmore 21 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.)

OilyCooked MashTobacco

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

MedicinalDried Fruit

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