Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice vs Laphroaig 15 Year Old (200th Anniversary Edition)

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

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's ChoiceLaphroaig 15 Year Old (200th Anniversary Edition)
DistilleryMortlachLaphroaig
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.6%43%
Age23 yr15 yr
Price£208.33£199
Rating5.00/54.91/5

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

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

Laphroaig 15 Year Old (200th Anniversary Edition)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value25/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 15 Year Old (200th Anniversary Edition)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.91).

Laphroaig 15 Year Old (200th Anniversary Edition) is better value at £199 vs £208.

For beginners: Laphroaig 15 Year Old (200th Anniversary Edition) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 15 years)
  • +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

Laphroaig 15 Year Old (200th Anniversary Edition)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £208.33)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.9 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 Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 15 Year Old (200th Anniversary Edition) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

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

SherriedChocolateToastedDried FruitOld Wood

Only Laphroaig 15 Year Old (200th Anniversary Edition)

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyLeathery

Where to buy

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

Laphroaig 15 Year Old (200th Anniversary Edition)

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