Blair Athol 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Blair Athol 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryBlair AtholThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV51.4%48.8%
Age13 yr11 yr
Price£69.95£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Blair Athol 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

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

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

Blair Athol 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

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 £70.

For beginners: Blair Athol 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Blair Athol 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (13 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£69.95 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 £69.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Blair?

Blair Athol 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) 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 Blair Athol 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

SherriedToastedChocolateOld Wood

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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