Sanmi-Ittai Single Cask #55009 - Shikiri vs Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Sanmi-Ittai Single Cask #55009 - Shikiri
Sanmi-Ittai
£250

Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Mortlach
★ 5.00
£150
| Sanmi-Ittai Single Cask #55009 - Shikiri | Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Sanmi-Ittai | Mortlach |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.9% | 43% |
| Age | NAS | 15 yr |
| Price | £250 | £150 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Sanmi-Ittai Single Cask #55009 - Shikiri
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Sanmi-Ittai Single Cask #55009 - Shikiri
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 £250.
For beginners: Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Sanmi-Ittai Single Cask #55009 - Shikiri
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 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 £250)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Sanmi-Ittai?
Sanmi-Ittai Single Cask #55009 - Shikiri 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 Sanmi-Ittai Single Cask #55009 - Shikiri
Only Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)