Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice vs Bowmore 21 Year Old Sherry Oak

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

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's ChoiceBowmore 21 Year Old Sherry Oak
DistilleryMortlachBowmore
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.6%46.8%
Age23 yr21 yr
Price£208.33£268.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Bowmore 21 Year Old Sherry Oak

Smoke64/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 21 Year Old Sherry Oak

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £208 vs £269.

For beginners: Bowmore 21 Year Old Sherry Oak is more approachable (45/100 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 £268.95)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 21 years)

Cons

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

Bowmore 21 Year Old Sherry Oak

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£268.95 vs £208.33)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Bowmore?

Bowmore 21 Year Old Sherry Oak 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

SherriedChocolateDried Fruit

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

ToastedOld Wood

Only Bowmore 21 Year Old Sherry Oak

SmokeyNutty

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