Black Dog 12 Year Old - 1980s (1L) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Black Dog 12 Year Old - 1980s (1L)
Charles Mackinlay & Co
£50
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
That Boutique-y Whisky Company
★ 5.00
£67
| Black Dog 12 Year Old - 1980s (1L) | Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Charles Mackinlay & Co | That Boutique-y Whisky Company |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 48.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 11 yr |
| Price | £49.99 | £66.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Black Dog 12 Year Old - 1980s (1L)
Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Black Dog 12 Year Old - 1980s (1L)
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).
Black Dog 12 Year Old - 1980s (1L) is better value at £50 vs £67.
For beginners: Black Dog 12 Year Old - 1980s (1L) is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).
Black Dog 12 Year Old - 1980s (1L)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£49.99 vs £66.95)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 11 years)
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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£66.95 vs £49.99)
Who should buy Black?
Black Dog 12 Year Old - 1980s (1L) 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 Black Dog 12 Year Old - 1980s (1L)
Only Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)