Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice vs Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

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

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's ChoiceCaol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
DistilleryMortlachCaol Ila
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.6%59%
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

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) is better value at £199 vs £208.

For beginners: Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is more approachable (35/100 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

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £208.33)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (59%) — may need water
  • 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 Caol?

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedDried Fruit

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

ChocolateToastedOld Wood

Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

SmokeyMedicinalOily

Where to buy

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

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

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