Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve

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

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve
DistilleryThat Boutique-y Whisky CompanyTullamore D.E.W.
Region
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV48.8%40%
Age11 yr12 yr
Price£66.95£57.33
Rating5.00/53.82/5

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

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

Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner75/100
Value67/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.82).

Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve is better value at £57 vs £67.

For beginners: Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve is more approachable (75/100 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)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£66.95 vs £57.33)

Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£57.33 vs £66.95)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 11 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (3.8 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 Tullamore?

Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve 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 Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve

HoneyVanillaMalt ExtractToasted

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