Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2012 (Thompson Bros.) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2012 (Thompson Bros.)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryCaol IlaThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.7%48.8%
Age10 yr11 yr
Price£99.99£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2012 (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

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

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

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2012 (Thompson Bros.)

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 £100.

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

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2012 (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£99.99 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 £99.99)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2012 (Thompson Bros.) 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

SmokeyMedicinal

Only Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2012 (Thompson Bros.)

Fresh FruitChocolate

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

Dried FruitLeathery

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