Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice vs Bowmore Surf Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's ChoiceBowmore Surf Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
DistilleryMortlachBowmore
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV56.6%40%
Age23 yrNAS
Price£208.33£250
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Bowmore Surf Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore Surf Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £208 vs £250.

For beginners: Bowmore Surf Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is more approachable (60/100 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 £250)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Bowmore Surf Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£250 vs £208.33)
  • 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 Bowmore?

Bowmore Surf Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

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

SherriedChocolateToastedDried FruitOld Wood

Only Bowmore Surf Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokeyHoneyCitricFresh Fruit

Explore more