Balmenach 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 3243) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balmenach 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 3243) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Balmenach
£111
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
That Boutique-y Whisky Company
★ 5.00
£67
| Balmenach 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 3243) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balmenach | That Boutique-y Whisky Company |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.1% | 48.8% |
| Age | 28 yr | 11 yr |
| Price | £111.24 | £66.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Balmenach 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 3243) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Balmenach 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 3243) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
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 £111.
For beginners: Balmenach 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 3243) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Balmenach 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 3243) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (28 vs 11 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£111.24 vs £66.95)
- −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 affordable (£66.95 vs £111.24)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Balmenach?
Balmenach 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 3243) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
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 Balmenach 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 3243) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Only Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)