Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryCaol IlaThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50%48.8%
Age30 yr11 yr
Price£86.95£66.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value58/100

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

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

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 £87.

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 11 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£86.95 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 £86.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

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

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Old Wood

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

Dried Fruit

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