Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1997 (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.

Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1997 (Master of Malt)Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryGlenrothesThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.4%48.8%
Age20 yr11 yr
Price£99.95£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1997 (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

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

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

Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1997 (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: Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1997 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1997 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£99.95 vs £66.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Glenrothes?

Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1997 (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 Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1997 (Master of Malt)

SherriedChocolateCooked FruitToasted

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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