Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice vs Caol Ila 25 Year Old

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

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's ChoiceCaol Ila 25 Year Old
DistilleryMortlachCaol Ila
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.6%43%
Age23 yr25 yr
Price£208.33£299
Rating5.00/54.18/5

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

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

Caol Ila 25 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner60/100
Value14/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 25 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.18).

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £208 vs £299.

For beginners: Caol Ila 25 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

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 £299)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

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

Caol Ila 25 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 23 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£299 vs £208.33)
  • Lower community rating (4.2 vs 5.0)

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.

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 25 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

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

SherriedChocolateToastedDried FruitOld Wood

Only Caol Ila 25 Year Old

CitricHoneyFresh FruitSmokey

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