Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Skara Brae 16 Year Old 2005 (cask 23) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Skara Brae 16 Year Old 2005 (cask 23) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanyThe Vintage Malt Whisky Company
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.8%51.5%
Age11 yr16 yr
Price£66.95£86.94
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Skara Brae 16 Year Old 2005 (cask 23) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Skara Brae 16 Year Old 2005 (cask 23) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

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: 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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£66.95 vs £86.94)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Skara Brae 16 Year Old 2005 (cask 23) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (16 vs 11 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (51.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£86.94 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 Skara?

Skara Brae 16 Year Old 2005 (cask 23) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) 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 Skara Brae 16 Year Old 2005 (cask 23) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

HoneyVanillaFresh FruitOld WoodToasted

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