Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt)Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryMortlachTobermory
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.8%51.7%
Age20 yr18 yr
Price£99.95£89.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner75/100
Value50/100

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value56/100

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £90 vs £100.

For beginners: Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 18 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£99.95 vs £89.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£89.95 vs £99.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Ledaig?

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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

Only Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SherriedDried FruitHoneyChocolateTobacco

Only Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalOily

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