Ichiro's Malt Wine Wood Reserve Japanese Blended Malt Whisky vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Ichiro's Malt Wine Wood Reserve Japanese Blended Malt WhiskyIslay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryIchiro'sThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
Region
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%48.8%
AgeNAS11 yr
Price£86.95£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Ichiro's Malt Wine Wood Reserve Japanese Blended Malt Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

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

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

Ichiro's Malt Wine Wood Reserve Japanese Blended Malt Whisky

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 £87.

For beginners: Ichiro's Malt Wine Wood Reserve Japanese Blended Malt Whisky is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Ichiro's Malt Wine Wood Reserve Japanese Blended Malt Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£86.95 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 £86.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Ichiro's?

Ichiro's Malt Wine Wood Reserve Japanese Blended Malt Whisky 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 Ichiro's Malt Wine Wood Reserve Japanese Blended Malt Whisky

SherriedFresh FruitVanillaCooked FruitOily

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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