Talisker 18 Year Old - Pre 2012 vs Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

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

Talisker 18 Year Old - Pre 2012Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
DistilleryTaliskerMortlach
RegionIslandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV45.8%56.6%
Age18 yr23 yr
Price£250£208.33
Rating5.00/5

Talisker 18 Year Old - Pre 2012

Smoke64/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value24/100

Talisker 18 Year Old - Pre 2012

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £208 vs £250.

For beginners: Talisker 18 Year Old - Pre 2012 is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Talisker 18 Year Old - Pre 2012

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£250 vs £208.33)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£208.33 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 18 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Talisker?

Talisker 18 Year Old - Pre 2012 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice 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

Both taste of

Toasted

Only Talisker 18 Year Old - Pre 2012

SmokeyLeathery

Only Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

SherriedChocolateDried FruitOld Wood

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