Blair Athol 12 Year Old 2011 (cask 304166) - Glens & Valleys (Berry Bros. & Rudd) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Blair Athol 12 Year Old 2011 (cask 304166) - Glens & Valleys (Berry Bros. & Rudd)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryBlair AtholThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.7%48.8%
Age12 yr11 yr
Price£105£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Blair Athol 12 Year Old 2011 (cask 304166) - Glens & Valleys (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

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

Blair Athol 12 Year Old 2011 (cask 304166) - Glens & Valleys (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

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 £105.

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

Blair Athol 12 Year Old 2011 (cask 304166) - Glens & Valleys (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 11 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£105 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 £105)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Blair?

Blair Athol 12 Year Old 2011 (cask 304166) - Glens & Valleys (Berry Bros. & Rudd) 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

Both taste of

Dried Fruit

Only Blair Athol 12 Year Old 2011 (cask 304166) - Glens & Valleys (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

SherriedHoneyToastedOld Wood

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

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

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