Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2001 (Adelphi) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2001 (Adelphi)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryCaol IlaThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV60.7%48.8%
Age9 yr11 yr
Price£49.95£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2001 (Adelphi)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

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

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

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2001 (Adelphi)

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).

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2001 (Adelphi) is better value at £50 vs £67.

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

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2001 (Adelphi)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£49.95 vs £66.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (60.7%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • 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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (11 vs 9 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£66.95 vs £49.95)

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2001 (Adelphi) 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 9 Year Old 2001 (Adelphi)

OilyKippery

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

Dried FruitLeathery

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