Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice vs Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2008 - North Star Spirits (Master of Malt Exclusive)

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

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's ChoiceArdbeg 15 Year Old 2008 - North Star Spirits (Master of Malt Exclusive)
DistilleryMortlachArdbeg
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.6%61%
Age23 yr15 yr
Price£208.33£199.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2008 - North Star Spirits (Master of Malt Exclusive)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2008 - North Star Spirits (Master of Malt Exclusive)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2008 - North Star Spirits (Master of Malt Exclusive) is better value at £200 vs £208.

For beginners: Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 15 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£208.33 vs £199.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2008 - North Star Spirits (Master of Malt Exclusive)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£199.95 vs £208.33)

Cons

  • High ABV (61%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2008 - North Star Spirits (Master of Malt Exclusive) 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 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

SherriedChocolateToastedDried FruitOld Wood

Only Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2008 - North Star Spirits (Master of Malt Exclusive)

SmokeyMedicinalOily

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