Hine Rare VSOP Cognac 70cl vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Hine Rare VSOP Cognac 70clIslay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryHineThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
Region
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%48.8%
AgeNAS11 yr
Price£59.95£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Hine Rare VSOP Cognac 70cl

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner90/100
Value0/100

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

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

Hine Rare VSOP Cognac 70cl

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).

Hine Rare VSOP Cognac 70cl is better value at £60 vs £67.

For beginners: Hine Rare VSOP Cognac 70cl is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

Hine Rare VSOP Cognac 70cl

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£59.95 vs £66.95)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£66.95 vs £59.95)

Who should buy Hine?

Hine Rare VSOP Cognac 70cl 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 Hine Rare VSOP Cognac 70cl

VanillaHoneyToastedOld Wood

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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