Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice vs Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

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

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's ChoiceCaol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
DistilleryMortlachCaol Ila
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.6%53.8%
Age23 yr29 yr
Price£208.33£188.71
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £189 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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£208.33 vs £188.71)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£188.71 vs £208.33)
  • +Longer maturation (29 vs 23 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Caol?

Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) 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

Old Wood

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

SherriedChocolateToastedDried Fruit

Only Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

SmokeyOilyMedicinalLeathery

Where to buy

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

Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

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