Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice vs Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

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

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's ChoiceBowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
DistilleryMortlachBowmore
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.6%50.8%
Age23 yr18 yr
Price£208.33£294.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

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 £295.

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 affordable (£208.33 vs £294.95)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 18 years)

Cons

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

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (50.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£294.95 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 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) 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

Dried Fruit

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

SherriedChocolateToastedOld Wood

Only Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyCitric

Explore more