Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%) vs Balmenach 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 10162) - Executive Decision (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Mortlach
★ 5.00
£150
Balmenach 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 10162) - Executive Decision (Douglas Laing)
Balmenach
£212
| Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%) | Balmenach 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 10162) - Executive Decision (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Mortlach | Balmenach |
| Region | Speyside | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 52.8% |
| Age | 15 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £150 | £212.26 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Balmenach 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 10162) - Executive Decision (Douglas Laing)
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Balmenach 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 10162) - Executive Decision (Douglas Laing)
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 £212.
For beginners: Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
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 £212.26)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Balmenach 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 10162) - Executive Decision (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 15 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£212.26 vs £150)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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.
Who should buy Balmenach?
Balmenach 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 10162) - Executive Decision (Douglas Laing) 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
Only Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Only Balmenach 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 10162) - Executive Decision (Douglas Laing)