Ballindalloch 8 Year Old 2017 (cask 69) - Refill Virgin Oak Hogshead vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Ballindalloch 8 Year Old 2017 (cask 69) - Refill Virgin Oak HogsheadIslay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryBallindallochThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV62.7%48.8%
Age8 yr11 yr
Price£92.5£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Ballindalloch 8 Year Old 2017 (cask 69) - Refill Virgin Oak Hogshead

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

Ballindalloch 8 Year Old 2017 (cask 69) - Refill Virgin Oak Hogshead

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 £93.

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

Ballindalloch 8 Year Old 2017 (cask 69) - Refill Virgin Oak Hogshead

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (62.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£92.5 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 £92.5)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Ballindalloch?

Ballindalloch 8 Year Old 2017 (cask 69) - Refill Virgin Oak Hogshead 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 Ballindalloch 8 Year Old 2017 (cask 69) - Refill Virgin Oak Hogshead

New WoodVanillaFresh FruitToasted

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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