Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs North British 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 34442) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)North British 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 34442) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanyNorth British
RegionLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV48.8%60.7%
Age11 yr26 yr
Price£66.95£93.24
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

North British 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 34442) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner40/100
Value54/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

North British 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 34442) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £67 vs £93.

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 £93.24)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

North British 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 34442) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (26 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (60.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£93.24 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 North?

North British 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 34442) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) 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 North British 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 34442) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

Malt ExtractVanillaOilyNuttyToasted

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