Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice vs Springbank 21 Year Old (2024 Release)

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

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's ChoiceSpringbank 21 Year Old (2024 Release)
DistilleryMortlachSpringbank
RegionSpeysideCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.6%46%
Age23 yr21 yr
Price£208.33£275
Rating5.00/54.35/5

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

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

Springbank 21 Year Old (2024 Release)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner50/100
Value16/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 21 Year Old (2024 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.35).

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £208 vs £275.

For beginners: Springbank 21 Year Old (2024 Release) 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)
  • +More affordable (£208.33 vs £275)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 21 years)

Cons

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

Springbank 21 Year Old (2024 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£275 vs £208.33)
  • Lower community rating (4.4 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 Springbank?

Springbank 21 Year Old (2024 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Campbeltown character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Dried FruitOld Wood

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

SherriedChocolateToasted

Only Springbank 21 Year Old (2024 Release)

LeatherySmokeyTobacco

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