Girvan 31 Year Old 1990 (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.

Girvan 31 Year Old 1990 (Master of Malt)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryGirvanThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeGrainSingle Malt
ABV54.6%48.8%
Age31 yr11 yr
Price£84.95£66.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Girvan 31 Year Old 1990 (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner50/100
Value59/100

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

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

Girvan 31 Year Old 1990 (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 better value at £67 vs £85.

For beginners: Girvan 31 Year Old 1990 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Girvan 31 Year Old 1990 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£84.95 vs £66.95)
  • 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
  • +More affordable (£66.95 vs £84.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Girvan?

Girvan 31 Year Old 1990 (Master of Malt) 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 Girvan 31 Year Old 1990 (Master of Malt)

VanillaMalt ExtractOld WoodOilyNutty

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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