Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice vs Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

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

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's ChoiceCaol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
DistilleryMortlachCaol Ila
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.6%52.2%
Age23 yr22 yr
Price£208.33£180
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) is better value at £180 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)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 22 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£208.33 vs £180)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£180 vs £208.33)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.2%) — 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 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) 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

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

SherriedChocolateToastedDried FruitOld Wood

Only Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyOilyCoal-gas

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