Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice vs Bruichladdich 15 Year Old - 1st Release

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

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's ChoiceBruichladdich 15 Year Old - 1st Release
DistilleryMortlachBruichladdich
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.6%46%
Age23 yr15 yr
Price£208.33£199
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Bruichladdich 15 Year Old - 1st Release

Smoke64/100
Sweetness52/100
Beginner50/100
Value25/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bruichladdich 15 Year Old - 1st Release

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bruichladdich 15 Year Old - 1st Release is better value at £199 vs £208.

For beginners: Bruichladdich 15 Year Old - 1st Release is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 15 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£208.33 vs £199)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bruichladdich 15 Year Old - 1st Release

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £208.33)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

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 Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 15 Year Old - 1st Release suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Toasted

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

SherriedChocolateDried FruitOld Wood

Only Bruichladdich 15 Year Old - 1st Release

SmokeyFresh FruitHoney

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