Dalmunach 7 Year Old 2016 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Dalmunach 7 Year Old 2016 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryDalmunachThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.5%48.8%
Age7 yr11 yr
Price£58.85£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Dalmunach 7 Year Old 2016 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

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

Dalmunach 7 Year Old 2016 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

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).

Dalmunach 7 Year Old 2016 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is better value at £59 vs £67.

For beginners: Dalmunach 7 Year Old 2016 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Dalmunach 7 Year Old 2016 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£58.85 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 7 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£66.95 vs £58.85)

Who should buy Dalmunach?

Dalmunach 7 Year Old 2016 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 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 Dalmunach 7 Year Old 2016 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SherriedCooked FruitHoneyVanilla

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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