Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Kavalan ex-Bourbon Oak

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Kavalan ex-Bourbon Oak
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanyKavalan
Region
CountryScotlandTaiwan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.8%46%
Age11 yrNAS
Price£66.95£88.5
Rating5.00/54.50/5

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

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

Kavalan ex-Bourbon Oak

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner80/100
Value51/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Kavalan ex-Bourbon Oak

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £67 vs £89.

For beginners: Kavalan ex-Bourbon Oak is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).

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 £88.5)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Kavalan ex-Bourbon Oak

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£88.5 vs £66.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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.

Who should buy Kavalan?

Kavalan ex-Bourbon Oak 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.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

Only Kavalan ex-Bourbon Oak

VanillaMalt ExtractHoneyFresh Fruit

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