Arran 8 Year Old 2013 (cask GD-ARRAN-13) - Single Cask Series (GreatDrams) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Arran 8 Year Old 2013 (cask GD-ARRAN-13) - Single Cask Series (GreatDrams)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryArranThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.2%48.8%
Age8 yr11 yr
Price£58.62£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Arran 8 Year Old 2013 (cask GD-ARRAN-13) - Single Cask Series (GreatDrams)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

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

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

Arran 8 Year Old 2013 (cask GD-ARRAN-13) - Single Cask Series (GreatDrams)

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).

Arran 8 Year Old 2013 (cask GD-ARRAN-13) - Single Cask Series (GreatDrams) is better value at £59 vs £67.

For beginners: Arran 8 Year Old 2013 (cask GD-ARRAN-13) - Single Cask Series (GreatDrams) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Arran 8 Year Old 2013 (cask GD-ARRAN-13) - Single Cask Series (GreatDrams)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£58.62 vs £66.95)

Cons

  • 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)
  • +Longer maturation (11 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£66.95 vs £58.62)

Who should buy Arran?

Arran 8 Year Old 2013 (cask GD-ARRAN-13) - Single Cask Series (GreatDrams) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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 Arran 8 Year Old 2013 (cask GD-ARRAN-13) - Single Cask Series (GreatDrams)

Malt ExtractFresh FruitHoneyVanillaOily

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

Explore more