Craigellachie 9 Year Old 2015 (cask 166/2015) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Craigellachie 9 Year Old 2015 (cask 166/2015) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryCraigellachieThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.1%48.8%
Age9 yr11 yr
Price£55.5£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Craigellachie 9 Year Old 2015 (cask 166/2015) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

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

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

Craigellachie 9 Year Old 2015 (cask 166/2015) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits)

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).

Craigellachie 9 Year Old 2015 (cask 166/2015) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits) is better value at £56 vs £67.

For beginners: Craigellachie 9 Year Old 2015 (cask 166/2015) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Craigellachie 9 Year Old 2015 (cask 166/2015) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£55.5 vs £66.95)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 £55.5)

Who should buy Craigellachie?

Craigellachie 9 Year Old 2015 (cask 166/2015) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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 Craigellachie 9 Year Old 2015 (cask 166/2015) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits)

SherriedCooked FruitHoneyVanillaOld Wood

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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