Fettercairn 8 Year Old - Premier Barrel (Douglas Laing) vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Fettercairn 8 Year Old - Premier Barrel (Douglas Laing)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryFettercairnThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%48.8%
Age8 yr11 yr
Price£61.95£66.95
Rating3.00/55.00/5

Fettercairn 8 Year Old - Premier Barrel (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner65/100
Value48/100

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

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

Fettercairn 8 Year Old - Premier Barrel (Douglas Laing)

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).

Fettercairn 8 Year Old - Premier Barrel (Douglas Laing) is better value at £62 vs £67.

For beginners: Fettercairn 8 Year Old - Premier Barrel (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Fettercairn 8 Year Old - Premier Barrel (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£61.95 vs £66.95)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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 8 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£66.95 vs £61.95)

Who should buy Fettercairn?

Fettercairn 8 Year Old - Premier Barrel (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

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 8 Year Old - Premier Barrel (Douglas Laing)

HoneyMalt ExtractVanillaToastedOld Wood

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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