Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1996 Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1996 Single Cask (Master of Malt)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryFettercairnThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.5%48.8%
Age21 yr11 yr
Price£99.95£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1996 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

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

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

Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1996 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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).

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £67 vs £100.

For beginners: Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1996 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1996 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 11 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£99.95 vs £66.95)
  • 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 affordable (£66.95 vs £99.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Fettercairn?

Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1996 Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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 Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1996 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

HoneyVanillaToastedOld Wood

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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