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 ChoiceTalisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts
DistilleryMortlachTalisker
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.6%45.8%
Age23 yr12 yr
Price£208.33£199
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

Sherried

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

ChocolateToastedDried FruitOld Wood

Only Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts

SmokeyCitricOily

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