Deanston 12 Year Old 2009 (cask CM279) - The Golden Cask (House of Macduff) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Deanston 12 Year Old 2009 (cask CM279) - The Golden Cask (House of Macduff)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryDeanstonThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV65.2%48.8%
Age12 yr11 yr
Price£51.43£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Deanston 12 Year Old 2009 (cask CM279) - The Golden Cask (House of Macduff)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

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

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

Deanston 12 Year Old 2009 (cask CM279) - The Golden Cask (House of Macduff)

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).

Deanston 12 Year Old 2009 (cask CM279) - The Golden Cask (House of Macduff) is better value at £51 vs £67.

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

Deanston 12 Year Old 2009 (cask CM279) - The Golden Cask (House of Macduff)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£51.43 vs £66.95)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (65.2%) — may need water
  • 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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£66.95 vs £51.43)

Who should buy Deanston?

Deanston 12 Year Old 2009 (cask CM279) - The Golden Cask (House of Macduff) 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

Only Deanston 12 Year Old 2009 (cask CM279) - The Golden Cask (House of Macduff)

VanillaToastedHoneyMalt ExtractFresh Fruit

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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