Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%) vs Highland Park 18 Year Old (cask 10854) - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)

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

Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)Highland Park 18 Year Old (cask 10854) - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)
DistilleryMortlachHighland Park
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%51.7%
Age15 yr18 yr
Price£150£174.02
Rating5.00/5

Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner55/100
Value33/100

Highland Park 18 Year Old (cask 10854) - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 18 Year Old (cask 10854) - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £174.

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 £174.02)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Highland Park 18 Year Old (cask 10854) - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 15 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£174.02 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 Highland?

Highland Park 18 Year Old (cask 10854) - Old & Rare (Hunter 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

Smokey

Only Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)

NuttyToastedOld Wood

Only Highland Park 18 Year Old (cask 10854) - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)

TobaccoDried FruitLeathery

Explore more