Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)
Balblair
£86
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
That Boutique-y Whisky Company
★ 5.00
£67
| Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company) | Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | That Boutique-y Whisky Company |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58.2% | 48.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 11 yr |
| Price | £85.5 | £66.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
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 £86.
For beginners: Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 11 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (58.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£85.5 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 £85.5)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Balblair?
Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company) 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 Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)
Only Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)