Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs North British 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 14409) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)North British 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 14409) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanyNorth British
RegionLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV48.8%54.8%
Age11 yr21 yr
Price£66.95£79.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

North British 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 14409) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

North British 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 14409) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)

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 £80.

For beginners: North British 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 14409) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (65/100 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 £79.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

North British 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 14409) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 11 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (54.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£79.95 vs £66.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 North?

North British 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 14409) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

Only North British 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 14409) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)

VanillaMalt ExtractHoneyOld Wood

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