Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice vs Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Mortlach
★ 5.00
£208

Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts
Talisker
£199
| Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice | Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Mortlach | Talisker |
| Region | Speyside | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.6% | 45.8% |
| Age | 23 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £208.33 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts
Quick verdict
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts is better value at £199 vs £208.
For beginners: Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts is more approachable (50/100 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 12 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£208.33 vs £199)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£199 vs £208.33)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −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 Talisker?
Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Only Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts