Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice vs Bowmore 2004 / 21 Year Old / Oloroso Finish / Single Cask Nation Islay Whisky

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

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's ChoiceBowmore 2004 / 21 Year Old / Oloroso Finish / Single Cask Nation Islay Whisky
DistilleryMortlachBowmore
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV56.6%40%
Age23 yrNAS
Price£208.33£217
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Bowmore 2004 / 21 Year Old / Oloroso Finish / Single Cask Nation Islay Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 2004 / 21 Year Old / Oloroso Finish / Single Cask Nation Islay 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 £217.

For beginners: Bowmore 2004 / 21 Year Old / Oloroso Finish / Single Cask Nation Islay 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 £217)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Bowmore 2004 / 21 Year Old / Oloroso Finish / Single Cask Nation Islay Whisky

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£217 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 2004 / 21 Year Old / Oloroso Finish / Single Cask Nation Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedChocolate

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

ToastedDried FruitOld Wood

Only Bowmore 2004 / 21 Year Old / Oloroso Finish / Single Cask Nation Islay Whisky

SmokeyCooked FruitCitric

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