Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice vs Bowmore 12 Year Old - 1990s (Screen Printed Label) (1L)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Mortlach
★ 5.00
£208

Bowmore 12 Year Old - 1990s (Screen Printed Label) (1L)
Bowmore
£299
| Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice | Bowmore 12 Year Old - 1990s (Screen Printed Label) (1L) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Mortlach | Bowmore |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.6% | 43% |
| Age | 23 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £208.33 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Bowmore 12 Year Old - 1990s (Screen Printed Label) (1L)
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Bowmore 12 Year Old - 1990s (Screen Printed Label) (1L)
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 £299.
For beginners: Bowmore 12 Year Old - 1990s (Screen Printed Label) (1L) is more approachable (55/100 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 £299)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Bowmore 12 Year Old - 1990s (Screen Printed Label) (1L)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£299 vs £208.33)
- −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 Bowmore?
Bowmore 12 Year Old - 1990s (Screen Printed Label) (1L) 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
Only Bowmore 12 Year Old - 1990s (Screen Printed Label) (1L)
Where to buy
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Bowmore 12 Year Old - 1990s (Screen Printed Label) (1L)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange