Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 Brandy Cask Finish vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 Brandy Cask FinishIslay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryDeanstonThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.4%48.8%
Age9 yr11 yr
Price£54.95£66.95
Rating3.00/55.00/5

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 Brandy Cask Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner55/100
Value55/100

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

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

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 Brandy Cask Finish

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 3.00).

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 Brandy Cask Finish is better value at £55 vs £67.

For beginners: Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 Brandy Cask Finish is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 Brandy Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£54.95 vs £66.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (3.0 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 £54.95)

Who should buy Deanston?

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 Brandy Cask Finish suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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 9 Year Old 2008 Brandy Cask Finish

HoneyCooked FruitVanillaSherried

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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