Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryCaol IlaThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.5%48.8%
Age14 yr11 yr
Price£89.95£66.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner25/100
Value56/100

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

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

Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt)

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 better value at £67 vs £90.

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

Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (14 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£89.95 vs £66.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£66.95 vs £89.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt) 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

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

Only Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt)

Oily

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

Dried Fruit

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