Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanyMacduff
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.8%55%
Age11 yr20 yr
Price£66.95£75.3
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness49/100
Beginner50/100
Value66/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £67 vs £75.

For beginners: Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

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 £75.3)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£75.3 vs £66.95)
  • 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 Macduff?

Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

Only Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Malt ExtractHoneyToastedOld WoodNutty

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