Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014) vs Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)
Caol Ila
£199

Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Mortlach
★ 5.00
£150
| Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014) | Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 60.4% | 43% |
| Age | 15 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £199 | £150 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Quick verdict
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%) is better value at £150 vs £199.
For beginners: Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (60.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£199 vs £150)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£150 vs £199)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014) 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.
Who should buy Mortlach?
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)
Only Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Where to buy
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange